Why Do Java and C Integers Have Different Maximum Values Despite Having the Same Bit Size?

Maximum Value of Integers: C vs. Java

Question:

Why do integers in Java, despite having the same number of bits as in C (32), have a different value range?

Answer:

The difference in value range between integers in C and Java stems from the different representations and implementation details of these languages.

C:

In C, integers may vary in representation depending on the underlying machine, but typically they are 32-bit signed integers. This means that the highest bit is reserved for indicating the sign of the number (positive or negative), leaving 31 bits for the actual value. As a result, the maximum value of a 32-bit signed integer in C is 2,147,483,647 and the minimum value is -2,147,483,648.

Java:

In Java, integers (represented by the int data type) are specifically defined to be 32-bit signed integers by the Java Language Specification. This means that Java enforces a consistent representation of integers across different platforms and systems. The highest bit in Java integers is also used for the sign, but Java uses a different encoding scheme which allows for a slightly larger maximum value. As a result, the maximum value of a 32-bit signed integer in Java is 2,147,483,647 and the minimum value is -2,147,483,648.

Therefore, the maximum value of integers in Java is slightly higher than in C because of different encoding and implementation details.

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