Determine the minimum array data type of the closest kind necessary for storing a provided scalar value.
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> Determine the minimum array [data type][@stdlib/array/dtypes] of the closest "kind" necessary for storing a provided scalar value.
``bash`
npm install @stdlib/array-min-dtype
`javascript`
var minDataType = require( '@stdlib/array-min-dtype' );
#### minDataType( value )
Returns the minimum array [data type][@stdlib/array/dtypes] of the closest "kind" necessary for storing a provided scalar value.
`javascript
var dt = minDataType( 3.141592653589793 );
// returns 'float32'
dt = minDataType( -3 );
// returns 'int8'
dt = minDataType( 3 );
// returns 'uint8'
dt = minDataType( '3' );
// returns 'generic'
`
- The function does not provide precision guarantees for non-integer-valued numbers. In other words, the function returns the smallest possible floating-point (i.e., inexact) [data type][@stdlib/array/dtypes] for storing numbers having decimals.
`javascript
var roundn = require( '@stdlib/math-base-special-roundn' );
var randu = require( '@stdlib/random-base-randu' );
var pow = require( '@stdlib/math-base-special-pow' );
var discreteUniform = require( '@stdlib/random-base-discrete-uniform' );
var minDataType = require( '@stdlib/array-min-dtype' );
var dt;
var v;
var i;
// Generate numbers of varying magnitudes and determine the minimum data type for each value...
for ( i = 0; i < 100; i++ ) {
v = randu() * pow( 2.0, discreteUniform( 0, 40 ) );
if ( randu() < 0.5 ) {
v *= -1;
}
v = roundn( v, discreteUniform( -1, 0 ) );
dt = minDataType( v );
console.log( 'min(%d) => %s', v, dt );
}
`
*
- [@stdlib/array-dtypes][@stdlib/array/dtypes]: list of array data types.
- [@stdlib/array-promotion-rules][@stdlib/array/promotion-rules]: return the array data type with the smallest size and closest kind to which array data types can be safely cast.
- [@stdlib/array-safe-casts][@stdlib/array/safe-casts]: return a list of array data types to which a provided array data type can be safely cast.
*
This package is part of [stdlib][stdlib], a standard library for JavaScript and Node.js, with an emphasis on numerical and scientific computing. The library provides a collection of robust, high performance libraries for mathematics, statistics, streams, utilities, and more.
For more information on the project, filing bug reports and feature requests, and guidance on how to develop [stdlib][stdlib], see the main project [repository][stdlib].
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---
See [LICENSE][stdlib-license].
Copyright © 2016-2026. The Stdlib [Authors][stdlib-authors].
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[stdlib]: https://github.com/stdlib-js/stdlib
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[umd]: https://github.com/umdjs/umd
[es-module]: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Guide/Modules
[deno-url]: https://github.com/stdlib-js/array-min-dtype/tree/deno
[deno-readme]: https://github.com/stdlib-js/array-min-dtype/blob/deno/README.md
[umd-url]: https://github.com/stdlib-js/array-min-dtype/tree/umd
[umd-readme]: https://github.com/stdlib-js/array-min-dtype/blob/umd/README.md
[esm-url]: https://github.com/stdlib-js/array-min-dtype/tree/esm
[esm-readme]: https://github.com/stdlib-js/array-min-dtype/blob/esm/README.md
[branches-url]: https://github.com/stdlib-js/array-min-dtype/blob/main/branches.md
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[@stdlib/array/dtypes]: https://www.npmjs.com/package/@stdlib/array-dtypes
[@stdlib/array/promotion-rules]: https://www.npmjs.com/package/@stdlib/array-promotion-rules
[@stdlib/array/safe-casts]: https://www.npmjs.com/package/@stdlib/array-safe-casts