quantitylong

Quantitylong is a term used in data modeling and software development to describe a data type that stores a quantity as a 64-bit signed integer. It represents non-fractional counts or totals where a large range is required, such as item counts, byte totals, or time values expressed in whole units. In many designs, quantitylong appears as part of a broader quantity concept that pairs the numeric value with a unit, enabling precise arithmetic while maintaining unit awareness.

In practice, quantitylong often functions as the numeric component of a two-part quantity construct. A separate unit specification—whether embedded as a unit field, an enumerated type, or a dedicated unit system—defines the measurement unit (for example, items, meters, seconds). This separation helps prevent unit-related errors and supports consistent calculations across systems that exchange data.

Common characteristics include a fixed 64-bit range, which provides substantial capacity for large counts while avoiding floating point rounding issues that can arise with fractional quantities. However, since the value is integral, fractional quantities require scaling or a different representation. Overflow is a potential risk if values approach the limits of the 64-bit range, so validation and bounds checking are important in implementations.

Quantitylong is often contrasted with more general quantity types, integer-only quantities, or floating-point quantities. It is especially useful in APIs, databases, and data schemas where exact counting is essential and units are clearly defined or constrained. See also: unit of measurement, quantified value, and data type for integers.