Long Double vs Double Data Types
In programming, the size and range of data types can vary across different systems. This raises questions about the differences between long double and double data types.
Size Differences
On x86 architecture, including 32-bit XP systems, most compilers implement long double as an 80-bit extended precision type. However, it can also be stored as 12 or 16 bytes for data structure maintenance.
Range Differences
The larger size of long double suggests the potential for an extended value range compared to double. However, this is not consistently the case. Compilers have the flexibility to use long double for 128-bit quadruple precision formats as well.
Therefore, the actual range of values that a long double can hold is determined by the compiler's implementation. It may be larger than double in some cases, but in others, it may be equivalent.
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