Datatypeencodering

Datatypeencodering is the process of converting values of data types into a standardized representation suitable for storage or transmission. The encoding should be deterministic and portable so that the original value can be reconstructed identically on different systems or at different times.

In computing, encodings occur at several layers. In memory, a runtime may store data using a language-specific layout; when persisted or transmitted, the value is serialized according to an encoding format. Encodings must account for both primitive types—such as integers, floating-point numbers, booleans, and characters—and composite types like arrays, maps, and records.

Common primitive encodings include integers (often fixed width, two’s complement, with explicit endianness), floating-point numbers (IEEE 754), booleans, and characters (text often encoded as UTF-8, UTF-16, or similar). Composite types may use fixed-width or variable-length representations, with mechanisms such as length prefixes for arrays or maps, and field tags for records.

Serialization formats for datatype encodings range from self-describing to schema-based. Self-describing formats (like JSON or XML) include type information in the data, while schema-based formats (such as Protocol Buffers, Avro, or Cap’n Proto) rely on predefined schemas to interpret the bytes. Differences in endianness, character encoding, and schema evolution affect compatibility and risk data loss.

Applications include databases, inter-process communication, network protocols, and file formats. Proper datatype encodering emphasizes portability, compatibility, and predictable reconstruction across environments and versions.