Float vs. Double: Understanding the Difference in Java

Float and double are both data types used to represent floating-point numbers in Java, but they differ in terms of precision and storage space.

1. Precision:

   • 'float' is a single-precision floating-point number, offering approximately 6-7 significant digits of precision.
   • 'double' is a double-precision floating-point number, providing around 15-16 significant digits of precision. This means 'double' has a higher accuracy than 'float'.

2. Storage Space:

   • 'float' occupies 4 bytes (32 bits) of memory.
   • 'double' occupies 8 bytes (64 bits) of memory. Due to its larger storage space, 'double' can represent a wider range of values.

The choice between 'float' and 'double' depends on your specific requirements. If precision isn't critical and you need to save memory, 'float' is a good option. However, if high precision is essential or you need to work with larger numerical ranges, 'double' is the recommended choice.