Reference Data

Definition

Reference data refers to complex data types that are composed of multiple primitive or reference data types. Examples include arrays, objects, and strings. Unlike primitive data types, reference variables store references (memory addresses) rather than actual values.

Related terms

Primitive Data:

Primitive data refers to basic built-in datatypes such as integers, floating-point numbers, characters, and booleans.

Data Type:

A datatype is a classification that specifies the type of value that a variable can hold. It determines the operations that can be performed on the variable.

Array:

An array is an ordered collection of elements with fixed size where each element can be accessed using an index. It is a type of reference data.