Boolean data type facts for kids

A Boolean data type is a special kind of data that can only have one of two values: true or false. Think of it like a light switch that is either ON (true) or OFF (false). This simple idea is super important in computer programming!

The idea behind Boolean logic comes from a smart English mathematician named George Boole. He created rules for how we can use "true" and "false" in a mathematical way. Because of his work, these true/false values are called "Booleans."

Computers use Booleans to make decisions. For example, a program might ask, "Is the user logged in?" The answer is either true or false. Based on that answer, the program knows what to do next.

How Booleans Help Computers Make Decisions

Booleans are like the brain of a computer program, helping it decide what steps to take. They are often used in "conditional statements." These are special instructions that only run if a certain condition is true.

For example, imagine a game:

• If (player has enough coins) then (buy the item).
• Else (show a message saying "Not enough coins").

Here, "player has enough coins" is a Boolean expression. It's either true or false.

Using Booleans with Code

In programming, you often see Booleans used with `if` and `else` statements. This tells the computer to do one thing if a condition is true, and something else if it's false.

Here's a simple example of how it looks in a programming language (like Java):

if (Is_It_Raining) // Is_It_Raining is a Boolean that is either true or false
{
    Bring_An_Umbrella // This happens if Is_It_Raining is true
}
else
{
    Leave_The_Umbrella_At_Home // This happens if Is_It_Raining is false
}

Combining Boolean Checks

Sometimes, a computer needs to check more than one condition at the same time. You can combine Booleans using special words like "and" or "or."

• AND (Conjunction): If you use "and," both conditions must be true for the whole statement to be true.

* Example: If (you have a ticket and you are on time), then (you can get on the bus). * If either condition is false, you can't get on the bus.

Here's how "and" looks in code:

if (Has_Ticket and Is_On_Time)
{
    Get_On_Bus
}
else
{
    Cannot_Get_On_Bus
}

• OR (Disjunction): If you use "or," only one of the conditions needs to be true for the whole statement to be true.

* Example: If (you have a driver's license or you have a parent with you), then (you can rent a car). * If either condition is true, you can rent the car.

Here's how "or" looks in code:

if (Has_Drivers_License or Has_Parent)
{
    Rent_A_Car
}

History of Booleans in Programming

The Boolean data type was officially added to the C++ programming language in 1998. This was done by a group called the ISO/ANSI committee, which helps set standards for computer languages. Even though the idea of Booleans existed before, having a specific "bool" type made it easier and clearer for programmers to work with true/false values.

See also

• In Spanish: Tipo de dato lógico para niños