C++ Unsigned Short Minimum Value

In C++, an unsigned short is an integer data type that stores only non-negative integer values. Unlike a signed short, it does not use any bits for the sign, allowing all bits to represent the magnitude of the number. The minimum value of an unsigned short is 0. This value is constant and defined by the nature of unsigned types, as they cannot represent negative numbers.


Minimum Limit of Unsigned Short Data Type

The unsigned short data type represents numbers in the range:

  • Minimum Value: 0
  • Maximum Value: 65,535 (for 16-bit systems)

The range is derived from the formula:

0 to 2^n - 1

Where n is the number of bits used by the data type. For an unsigned short, n = 16, resulting in:

0 to 2^16 - 1 = 0 to 65,535

C++ Program to Access Unsigned Short Minimum Value

The minimum value of an unsigned short is always 0, so it does not require a specific macro like SHRT_MIN. Here’s an example program to demonstrate this:

main.cpp

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#include <iostream>

int main() {
    // Accessing the minimum value of unsigned short
    std::cout << "The minimum value of unsigned short is: " << 0 << std::endl;
    return 0;
}

Output

The minimum value of unsigned short is: 0

Explanation

  • An unsigned short cannot represent negative numbers, so its minimum value is 0.
  • The program uses std::cout to output the constant 0, representing the minimum value of an unsigned short.
  • This simple example highlights the inherent property of unsigned types to start their range from 0.