Mastering SQL: Data types in SQL [SESSION # 2]

                    Data types in SQL

A data type is a classification or categorization in programming languages that determines what type of value a variable can hold or what actions can be performed on that value. Data types are important because they govern how the computer interprets and processes data, guaranteeing that the correct actions can be performed on it.

Data types are used in SQL to indicate the type of data that can be placed in a database column. Data types ensure that the information in a column is properly saved and processed. Here are some examples of SQL data types

1. INTEGER or INT: This data type is used for whole numbers. It typically represents values without a decimal point.

2. VARCHAR(n): VARCHAR stands for "variable character." It's used for variable-length character strings, where 'n' represents the maximum number of characters that can be stored in the column.

3. CHAR(n): CHAR stands for "character." It's used for fixed-length character strings, where 'n' represents the exact number of characters to be stored in the column. If the data is shorter than 'n,' it is padded with spaces.

4. FLOAT or REAL: These data types are used to store floating-point numbers with decimal places. FLOAT typically represents a double-precision floating-point number, while REAL represents a single-precision floating-point number.

5. DATE: The DATE data type is used to store date values (year, month, and day).

6. TIME: TIME is used to store time values (hours, minutes, seconds).

7. DATETIME or TIMESTAMP: These data types are used to store date and time values, often in a specific format such as "YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS."

8. BOOLEAN or BOOL: BOOLEAN data type is used to store true or false values.

9. BINARY: BINARY data type is used to store binary data or byte strings. 

These data types aid in the preservation of data integrity, the optimisation of storage, and the efficient retrieval and processing of data in SQL databases. The data type for a column is determined by the nature of the data that will be stored in it as well as the unique needs of your application.

Next session will cover "Creating the table and adding the values"

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