What is the difference between data types and literals in Java?

Question

What is the difference between data types and literals in Java?

Answer 1

Data types are just, well, different types of data, like Strings or floats or ArrayLists. In Java, most data types are classes. Edit although according to one of the other answers, I think maybe the term "data type" might be used more for primitives, i.e. types that are not classes.

A literal is a way of expressing a value without having to create it using a constructor. For example, if you just put 3 in your code, it means the int 3. You don't have to say new Integer(3) or anything like that.

By the way, may I recommend the official Java Tutorials.