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c++integer

Is there an actual 8-bit integer data type in C++

In c++, specifically the cstdint header file, there are types for 8-bit integers which turn out to be of the char data type with a typedef. Could anyone suggest an actual 8-bit integer type?

Solution

  • Yes, you are right. int8_t and uint8_t are typedef to char on platforms where 1 byte is 8 bits. On platforms where it is not, appropriate definition will be given.

    Following answer is based on assumption that char is 8 bits

    char holds 1 byte, which may be signed or unsigned based on implementation.

    So int8_t is signed char and uint8_t is unsigned char, but this will be safe to use int8_t/uint8_t as actual 8-bit integer without relying too much on the implementation.

    For a implementer's point of view, typedeffing where char is 8 bits makes sense.

    Having seen all this, It is safe to use int8_t or uint8_t as real 8 bit integer.