Scalar type

From Computer Science Wiki

Scalar type in programming refers to a data type that can represent a single value, as opposed to a more complex data structure such as an array or object. Scalar types can include primitive data types such as integers, floating-point numbers, and strings, among others. In many programming languages, scalar types are also referred to as simple or atomic data types.

A scalar type is a general term used to describe a data type that can represent a single value. A primitive type is a specific type of scalar type that is built into the programming language and provides the most basic operations.

Primitive types are the building blocks of more complex data structures and include data types like integers, floating-point numbers, booleans, and strings, among others. They are often used to represent simple values such as numbers or characters and are generally considered the simplest and most basic data types.

In contrast, scalar types can include not only primitive types but also other data types like enumerated types or user-defined types that can represent single values.

In summary, all primitive types are scalar types, but not all scalar types are primitive types.