Decimal
The Decimal data type is a numeric type used in programming to represent decimal numbers with high precision, avoiding the rounding errors common in floating-point representations. It is essential for financial calculations, currency handling, and other applications where exact decimal arithmetic is required. Decimal types typically store numbers as integers scaled by a power of ten, ensuring accurate representation of decimal fractions.
Developers should use the Decimal data type when performing monetary calculations, accounting, or any operation requiring exact decimal results without binary floating-point inaccuracies. It is crucial in financial software, e-commerce systems, and scientific computations where precision is paramount, such as tax calculations or interest rate computations. Learning Decimal helps prevent subtle bugs that can arise from floating-point approximations in critical applications.