Looking at the C# numeric data types, I noticed that most of the types have a signed and unsigned version. I noticed that whereas the “default” integer, short and long are signed, and have their unsigned counterpart as uint, ushort and ulong; the “default” byte is instead unsigned – and have a signed counterpart in sbyte.
Just out of curiosity, why is byte so different from the rest? Was there a specific reason behind this or it is “just the way things are”?
Hope the question isn’t too confusing due to my phrasing and excessive use of quotes. Heh..
I would say a byte is not considered a numeric type but defines a structure with 8 bits in size. Besides there is no signed byte notion, it is unsigned. Numbers on the otherhand are firstly considered to be signed, so stating they are unsigned which is less common warrants the prefix
[EDIT]
Forgot there is a signed byte (sbyte). I suppose it is rather historical and practical application. Ints are more common than UInts and byte is more common than sbyte.