What is a string data type in computer science?

In computer science, a string is traditionally a sequence of characters treated as a literal constant or a variable. It is often implemented as an array of bytes or words using a specific character encoding. Depending on the programming language and data type used, a data type constrains possible values and tells compilers how programmers intend to use the data.

What we know

• A string is traditionally a sequence of characters, represented either as a literal constant or a variable. [4]
• Strings are frequently implemented as an array data structure of bytes or words utilizing character encoding. [4]
• A data type specification in a program constrains the possible values that an expression might take and guides compilers or interpreters on intended usage. [2]
• In formal languages and theoretical computer science, a string is defined as a finite sequence of symbols chosen from an alphabet. [4]

Where to go next

• the bigger pictureHow do data types constrain values in programming?
• compared withHow are integer data types represented in binary?
• how it workedHow does dynamic memory allocation work for strings?
• a case in pointWhat is a string literal in source code?
• how we knowHow are formal languages used in theoretical computer science?
• an unexpected connectionHow does mathematical logic view a simple text string?Theoretical computer science treats everyday text strings as formal finite sequences of symbols chosen from a set called an alphabet.

Sources

• [1]data type (Wikidata Q190087) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Data type · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Glossary of computer science · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]String (computer science) · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Integer (computer science) · CC BY-SA 4.0