What is the Difference Between float and double?

The main difference between float and double is their precision and size. Here is a comparison of the two data types:

• Float:
• Size: 32 bits
• Precision: 7 decimal digits
• Lower limit: 1.4E-45
• Upper limit: 3.4028235E38
• Common uses: Microdevices, IoT, mobile devices
• Double:
• Size: 64 bits
• Precision: 15 decimal digits
• Lower limit: 4.9E-324
• Upper limit: 1.7976931348623157E308
• Common uses: Enterprise apps, JPA, JDBC

In general, a double has twice the precision of a float, which means it can store larger numbers and provide more accurate results. However, float is often used in situations where space is a concern, such as in microdevices, IoT, and mobile devices. In most programming scenarios, it is recommended to use a double instead of a float due to its higher precision and accuracy.

Comparative Table: float vs double

The main difference between float and double lies in their precision and memory usage. Here's a table comparing the two:

Float is a 32-bit single-precision floating-point number, while double is a 64-bit double-precision floating-point number. Due to the increased precision, doubles can represent much larger numbers than floats. However, the choice between float and double can significantly impact the accuracy and resource usage in your program, so it's essential to consider the trade-offs when choosing between them.