What storage space does the integer data type consume?

The integer data type is typically represented using a varying amount of storage, depending on the programming language and the specific implementation. In most programming environments, an integer can consume anywhere from 1 byte to 8 bytes of storage. This range accounts for various types of integers, such as:

• A 1-byte (8-bit) integer, often referred to as a byte, which can hold values from 0 to 255 in unsigned format or -128 to 127 in signed format.
• A 2-byte (16-bit) integer that can store larger values, usually ranging from -32,768 to 32,767 in signed format.
• A 4-byte (32-bit) integer, capable of holding even larger values ranging from about -2.1 billion to 2.1 billion.
• An 8-byte (64-bit) integer, which can represent an even wider range of values.

Given this variability, the correct choice indicates that integers can occupy from 1 to 8 bytes. This range encompasses all potential forms of integers that are commonly utilized in programming, allowing for different uses based on the required range and type of data being handled. This flexibility is critical in optimizing memory usage in application design and execution.