title: Practical use of byte data type in Java
body: <p>Besides the fact that bytes saves memory by consuming only eight bits of storage as against <em>32bits</em> for <code>integer</code>. What other practical uses does it serve? I read in a text that it is useful when we are working with stream of data from a network or a file. They are also useful when you're working with raw binary data that may not be directly compatible with Java's other built-in types. Could any one explain these with examples? and state a few more practical uses?</p>