In SQL, there are various data types that can be used to define the type of data stored in a table column. Each data type has its own characteristics and is suitable for different purposes. In this article, we will explore the different valid data types in SQL and their common uses.
Numeric Data Types:
SQL provides several numeric data types to store numbers with different levels of precision and scale. These include:
- INT: This data type is used to store whole numbers within a certain range. It can store values from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647.
- FLOAT: This data type is used to store floating-point numbers with decimal places.
It allows for a larger range of values compared to INT.
- DECIMAL: This data type is used for exact numeric values with a specified precision and scale. It is commonly used for financial calculations where precision is important.
Character Data Types:
In SQL, character data types are used to store textual information such as names, addresses, or descriptions. The most commonly used character data types are:
- VARCHAR: This variable-length character data type allows you to store a string of characters up to a certain length.
- CHAR: This fixed-length character data type stores a string of characters with a specified length. If the string is shorter than the specified length, it will be padded with spaces.
Date and Time Data Types:
Date and time data types are used to store temporal values such as dates, times, or timestamps. Some commonly used date and time data types are:
- DATE: This data type is used to store only the date portion without any time information.
- TIME: This data type is used to store only the time portion without any date information.
- DATETIME: This data type is used to store both date and time information.
Boolean Data Type:
The boolean data type is used to represent true or false values. In SQL, it is typically represented as a bit or a single byte. This data type is often used for logical comparisons or conditions in queries.
Conclusion:
In SQL, there are various valid data types available to cater to different types of data. It’s important to choose the appropriate data type based on the nature and requirements of your data. Understanding the different options will help you design efficient and effective database schemas.
Now that you have a good understanding of the valid data types in SQL, you can confidently choose the most suitable one for your specific needs.