Scalar Types

Although the access of data can stem from any alignment, it is recommended that data be aligned on its natural boundary to avoid performance loss (or a multiple thereof). Enums are constant integers and are treated as 32-bit integers. The following table describes the type definition and recommended storage for it as it pertains to alignment using the following alignment values:

  • Byte – 8 bits

  • Word – 16 bits

  • Double Word – 32 bits

  • Quad Word – 64 bits

  • Octa Word – 128 bits

Scalar Type

C Data Type

Storage Size (in bytes)

Recommended Alignment

INT8

char

1

Byte

UINT8

unsigned char

1

Byte

INT16

short

2

Word

UINT16

unsigned short

2

Word

INT32

int, long

4

Doubleword

UINT32

unsigned int, unsigned long

4

Doubleword

INT64

__int64

8

Quadword

UINT64

unsigned __int64

8

Quadword

FP32 (single precision)

float

4

Doubleword

FP64 (double precision)

double

8

Quadword

POINTER

*

8

Quadword

__m64

struct __m64

8

Quadword

__m128

struct __m128

16

Octaword

See Also

Reference

Types and Storage