Which data type is suitable for representing smaller positive and negative integers?

The Short Integer data type is designed specifically to handle smaller positive and negative integers efficiently. This type of integer generally requires less storage space than larger integer types while still providing a sufficient range for many applications that only need to represent numbers in a limited scope.

For example, the Short Integer can store values typically between -32,768 and 32,767, making it suitable for applications where only small whole numbers are required, such as counting items, simple identifiers, or smaller range measurements. This efficiency in both storage and processing gives it a distinct advantage in scenarios where memory usage is critical or when working with large datasets.

In contrast, the Long Integer type is used for larger integers, which would be unnecessary for scenarios involving only smaller values, while Float is more suited for representing real numbers with decimals rather than integers. String data types are used for text and not suitable for numeric representation in mathematical operations. Therefore, in contexts where smaller integers are relevant, the Short Integer is the ideal choice.