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Python Built-in Data Types

In the previous lesson, you learned how to create variables to store information. But have you noticed that different pieces of information come in different forms?

Look at these real-life examples:

  • Your name is text ("Rahul").
  • Your age is a whole number (21).
  • The price of an item has decimals (99.50).
  • Whether you passed an exam is a Yes/No answer (True).

In programming, the specific category or form of value stored inside a variable is called its Data Type.

1. What are Built-in Data Types?​

Python comes with core data types pre-packaged right out of the box. You do not need to install or import anything extra to use them. Because they are native to Python, they are called Built-in Data Types.

Python has 4 fundamental built-in data types:

Data TypeKeywordWhat It StoresReal-Life Example
StringstrText, words, and characters"Hello World", 'Python'
IntegerintWhole numbers (positive, negative, zero)25, -10, 0
FloatfloatDecimal numbers99.50, 3.14, -0.75
BooleanboolLogical truth states (True or False)True, False

2. Checking Data Types with type()​

Python provides a built-in function called type() to inspect the exact data type of any variable:

name = "Rahul"
age = 21
price = 99.50
is_student = True

print(type(name))        # Output: <class 'str'>
print(type(age))         # Output: <class 'int'>
print(type(price))       # Output: <class 'float'>
print(type(is_student))  # Output: <class 'bool'>

💡 Reading the Output: The label inside the quotes ('str', 'int', 'float', 'bool') tells you the data type of that variable.

3. Why Do Data Types Matter?​

Python behaves differently depending on the data type of your values. For example, the + operator changes its behavior based on type:

# With numbers (int / float), + performs mathematical addition
print(10 + 5)             # Output: 15

# With strings (str), + joins the text together (concatenation)
print("10" + "5")         # Output: 105
print("Think IT " + "Telugu")  # Output: Think IT Telugu

Avoiding Type Errors​

You cannot directly combine text and numbers using + without converting them first:

# ❌ Causes an error: TypeError: can only concatenate str (not "int") to str
# print("Score: " + 95)

# ✅ Correct: Convert the number to a string using str()
print("Score: " + str(95))  # Output: Score: 95

4. Module 2 Learning Roadmap​

Now that you understand what data types are, let's explore each of the 4 fundamental built-in data types in depth across the upcoming lessons:

1. Strings (str)

Learn how to create, join, and format text in Python

2. Numbers (int & float)

Learn whole numbers, decimals, math operators, and type casting

3. Booleans (bool)

Master logical true/false switches and decision flags

Quick Summary​

  • Data Type: The category of value assigned to a variable (text, numbers, or logic).
  • 4 Built-in Types: str (text), int (whole numbers), float (decimals), and bool (true/false).
  • The type() Function: Returns the native data type of any variable.
  • Type Behavior: Python executes operations based on data types (+ adds numbers, joins strings).

What's Next?​

Let's begin with our first fundamental data type: Strings (Text)!

Strings (Text)

Start learning Python strings, quotes, and text manipulation

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