What function does the data type serve in a computer program?

The function of the data type in a computer program is to determine how data is stored and manipulated. Data types define the kind of data that can be held by a variable or a data structure, such as integers, floating-point numbers, strings, and booleans, among others. By establishing a clear structure, data types allow the program to allocate the appropriate amount of memory for different kinds of data and define how operations can be performed on that data.

For example, if a variable is declared as an integer data type, the programming language enforces rules that allow arithmetic operations pertinent to integers while preventing those that apply to floating-point numbers. This accuracy is crucial for both memory management and ensuring that operations yield valid results. As a result, understanding and utilizing data types is foundational in creating efficient and reliable software.