Float. This type represents a floating-point number. The C# language provides this type as a single-precision floating point number representation.
Float details. Float is less precise than a double. It occupies four bytes and is no larger than an int. Float can help maintain compatibility with other programs.
Suffixes. You will need to use the character suffix "f" or "F" on constants you want to be treated as float values. If you don't specify "f" or "F", you will get a compile-time error.
Next This program shows how to specify floats with "f" or "F". It is often preferred to use the uppercase F to reduce confusion.
using System;
// Use float type.
float number = 1.5F;
Console.WriteLine(number);
// Set to negative value.
number = -1.001F;
Console.WriteLine(number);
Console.WriteLine(number == -1.001F); // Use == operator
Console.WriteLine(number + 200); // Use + operator
Console.WriteLine(number.GetType());
Console.WriteLine(typeof(float));
Console.WriteLine(float.MinValue.ToString("0"));
Console.WriteLine(float.MaxValue.ToString("0"));
// Find the memory usage for a float value.
long bytes1 = GC.GetTotalMemory(false);
float[] array = new float[1000 * 1000];
array[0] = 1;
long bytes2 = GC.GetTotalMemory(false);
Console.WriteLine("{0} bytes per float", ((bytes2 - bytes1) / (1000000)));1.5
-1.001
True
198.999
System.Single
System.Single
-340282300000000000000000000000000000000
340282300000000000000000000000000000000
4 bytes per float
Constant fields. This program shows the float.Epsilon constant, which is the smallest float value greater than zero. The NaN constant represents not a number.
And The NegativeInfinity and PositiveInfinity constants are tested with float.IsNegativeInfinity and float.IsPositiveInfinity.
using System;
Console.WriteLine(float.Epsilon);
Console.WriteLine(float.NaN);
Console.WriteLine(float.NegativeInfinity);
Console.WriteLine(float.PositiveInfinity);1.401298E-45
NaN
-Infinity
Infinity
Epsilon. One major problem with comparing two float values is that they may be almost, but not exactly, equal. Your program probably wants to consider the two values equal.
And This can be solved with an epsilon test. The float.Epsilon constant is the smallest possible float value.
Detail We take the absolute value of the difference between the two values, and see if the difference is less than float.Epsilon.
Discussion. Typically, if you need to use floating point numbers, using the double type instead is a better choice because it has more precision and is probably more common.
However The double type uses more memory than the float type. In a large array this difference becomes relevant.
Detail Using a float instead of a double can be beneficial if you are sure the loss of precision is immaterial.
Also It is best to match the types closely to existing software to alleviate inconsistencies between different code bases.
Summary. Float is often used for compatibility issues when you need to represent floating-point numbers. Double is usually better for storing large numbers with decimals.
Dot Net Perls is a collection of tested code examples. Pages are continually updated to stay current, with code correctness a top priority.
Sam Allen is passionate about computer languages. In the past, his work has been recommended by Apple and Microsoft and he has studied computers at a selective university in the United States.
