Short Datatype Example in Java

Introduction

Short Datatype is a classic Java console program that demonstrates the concept with complete source code and sample output. Java primitive types and wrappers behave differently from objects — these examples show declaration, range and conversion.

This tutorial walks through the program line by line, explains how the logic works, and highlights best practices you can apply in your own code.

Definition

Short data type is a 16-bit signed two’s complement integer. Minimum value is -32,768 (-2^15) Maximum value is 32,767 (inclusive) (2^15 -1) Short data type can also be used to save memory as byte data type. A short is 2 times smaller than an int.

Syntax

short  = ;

Short Datatype Example Program

class ShortDatatype{
	public static void main(String[] args){
		short a=-32768;
		short b=32767;
		System.out.println(""+a);
		System.out.println(""+b);
	}
}

Sample Output

-32768
32767

When to use

Use this short datatype example when learning or revising core Java syntax.

How it works

1. Execution begins in the main method — the JVM calls this method when you run the class.

2. short a=-32768; updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

3. short b=32767; updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

4. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

5. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

6. Compare your console output with the sample output for Short Datatype to confirm the program behaves correctly.

Best Practices

Common Mistakes