8.2 Data Types
  At its most fundamental level, a data type is a format for
  information storage. All information is stored in the com-
  puter as bit patterns (groups of ones and zeros). Data types
  specify how the computer should interpret these patterns.

  BASIC programs allow five general data types: integer,
  floating-point, string, packed decimal and record. Each data
  type is suited for a particular type of task. For example, in-
  tegers are useful for numeric computations involving whole
  numbers, strings provide a way to manipulate alphanumeric
  characters, and packed decimal data is useful for manipulat-
  ing numeric values that require precise representation.

  For more information about DEC BASIC and VAX BASIC
  data types, see the DEC BASIC and VAX BASIC for
  OpenVMS Systems Reference Manual .