# Construct Data Type

![](/files/-MihikyrXgM68Jm7wsFX)

![](/files/-MihikyudfKqcBiGLypN) - [\[source code\]](https://github.com/ladybug-tools/ladybug-grasshopper/blob/master/ladybug_grasshopper/src//LB%20Construct%20Data%20Type.py)

Construct a Ladybug DataType to be used in the header of a ladybug DataCollection.

### Inputs

* **name \[Required]**

A name for the data type as a string.

* **unit \[Required]**

A unit for the data type as a string.

* **cumulative**

Boolean to tell whether the data type can be cumulative when it is represented over time (True) or it can only be averaged over time to be meaningful (False).

* **categories**

An optional list of text for categories to be associated with the data type. These categories will show up in the legend whenever data with this data type is visualized. The input should be text strings with a category number (integer) and name separated by a colon. For example: . -1: Cold . 0: Neutral . 1: Hot

### Outputs

* **type**

A Ladybug DataType object that can be assigned to the header of a Ladybug DataCollection.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.ladybug.tools/ladybug-primer/components/1_analyzedata/construct_data_type.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.