> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://python4ai.codewithsiva.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Data types

> Different kinds of information in Python

## What are data types?

Just like in real life, Python works with different kinds of information. You can't add someone's name to their age - they're different types of data.

Python has four main data types you'll use constantly:

* **Numbers** for counting and calculations
* **Text** for words and messages
* **True/False** for decisions

Each type has its own rules and abilities. Let's explore them.

## The main types

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Numbers" icon="calculator" href="/data-types/numbers">
    Integers and decimals for math
  </Card>

  <Card title="Strings" icon="font" href="/data-types/strings">
    Text, words, and characters
  </Card>

  <Card title="Booleans" icon="toggle-on" href="/data-types/booleans">
    True or False values
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Why we need data types

Python needs to know what type of data you're working with:

```python theme={null}
# Numbers can do math
total = 10 + 5  # 15

# Strings combine differently  
name = "Hello" + "World"  # "HelloWorld"

# Can't mix without converting
# age = "25" + 5  # Error!
age = int("25") + 5  # 30 (converted string to number)
```

## Checking types

You can always check what type something is with `type()`:

```python theme={null}
# Check different types
print(type(42))          # <class 'int'>
print(type(3.14))        # <class 'float'>
print(type("Hello"))     # <class 'str'>
print(type(True))        # <class 'bool'>

# Check variables
age = 25
name = "Alice"
print(type(age))         # <class 'int'>
print(type(name))        # <class 'str'>
```

## Start learning

Pick a data type to explore - numbers are a great place to start!

<Card title="Learn about numbers" icon="arrow-right" href="/data-types/numbers">
  Integers and floats
</Card>