title: Why does the Java API use int instead of short or byte?
body: <p>Why does the Java API use <code>int</code>, when <code>short</code> or even <code>byte</code> would be sufficient?</p>
  
  <p>Example: The <a href="https://docs.oracle.com/javase/8/docs/api/java/util/Calendar.html#DAY_OF_WEEK" rel="noreferrer"><code>DAY_OF_WEEK</code></a> field in class <a href="https://docs.oracle.com/javase/8/docs/api/java/util/Calendar.html" rel="noreferrer"><code>Calendar</code></a> uses <code>int</code>.</p>
  
  <p>If the difference is too minimal, then why do those datatypes (<code>short</code>, <code>int</code>) exist at all?</p>