Scribd
Upload
5 views3 pages

Java Data Loss Conversion

Data loss in Java occurs during Narrowing Type Casting when a larger primitive type is converted to a smaller type, potentially leading to truncated or corrupted values. Types of data loss include truncation, where fractional parts are discarded, and out-of-range errors, where values exceed the target type's capacity. Programmers must be cautious as Java does not provide compile-time errors for such data loss during manual casting.

Uploaded by

Krati Bhat
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
5 views3 pages

Java Data Loss Conversion

Data loss in Java occurs during Narrowing Type Casting when a larger primitive type is converted to a smaller type, potentially leading to truncated or corrupted values. Types of data loss include truncation, where fractional parts are discarded, and out-of-range errors, where values exceed the target type's capacity. Programmers must be cautious as Java does not provide compile-time errors for such data loss during manual casting.

Uploaded by

Krati Bhat
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

DATA LOSS IN JAVA

Type Conversion & Narrowing Casting

What is Data Loss?

In Java, data loss occurs during Narrowing Type Casting. This happens
when you manually convert a larger primitive data type into a smaller
data type.

Since the smaller type has less memory (bits), it cannot hold the full
value of the larger type, leading to truncated or corrupted values.

Types of Data Loss

1. Truncation (Decimal Loss)

When converting a floating-point number (double or float) to an


integer type (int, long), the fractional part is simply discarded.

double myDouble = 9.99;


int myInt = (int) myDouble;

// Result: 9 (The .99 is LOST)


2. Out-of-Range (Overflow/Wrap-around)

When the value exceeds the maximum capacity of the target type, Java
performs a "wrap-around" based on 2's complement logic.

int largeInt = 130;


byte myByte = (byte) largeInt;

// byte range is -128 to 127.


// Result: -126 (Data is corrupted/wrapped)

The Hierarchy (Direction of Loss)

Direction Type Data Loss?

Small → Large Widening (Automatic) NO

Large → Small Narrowing (Manual) YES (POSSIBLE)

double > float > long > int > char > short > byte

CRITICAL NOTE: Java does not give a compile-time error for data loss
during manual casting. It is the programmer's responsibility to
ensure the value fits in the target type!
Example Summary

• Magnitude Loss: long (64-bit) to int (32-bit).


• Precision Loss: float (32-bit) to long (64-bit). (Even though long is
bigger, it can't store decimals).

Java Programming Concept Series - Data Integrity

You might also like