C++ int vs long: Key Differences Explained

In C++, both int and long are integer data types, here’s how they differ:

1. Size: In general, an int is typically 4 bytes (32 bits), while a long is 8 bytes (64 bits). This means that a long can store a wider range of integer values.
2. Range: The range for int type is usually from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647, while the range for long type is usually from -9,223,372,036,854,775,808 to 9,223,372,036,854,775,807. The specific range depends on the compiler and operating system.
3. Memory Usage: Due to the fact that long data types require more bytes to store data, it may take up more memory space when using a large amount of integers.
4. Operation: When performing basic operations, the behavior between int and long types is similar. However, when it comes to mixed type operations, attention should be paid to type conversion and overflow issues.

In general, the int data type is suitable for most common integer calculations, while the long data type is used for dealing with larger numbers or situations that require more precise calculations. If you need to store very large integers or require more accurate calculation results, you should choose the long data type.