Datatypes in SQL Server

Hey Dev, are you interested in learning more about the datatypes in SQL server? Look no further, because in this journal article we will be discussing the different types of datatypes in SQL Server and how to use them in your database. Let’s get started!

What are Datatypes?

Datatypes define the type of data that can be stored in a database column. They help to ensure that data is stored in a consistent format, which makes it easier to search for and retrieve data. SQL Server has several different datatypes that you can use to define your data. These include:

Datatype	Description
INT	Stores whole numbers
VARCHAR	Stores variable length strings
DECIMAL	Stores decimal numbers
DATE	Stores dates
BIT	Stores boolean values (True/False)

Numeric Datatypes

The numeric datatypes in SQL Server are used to store numeric values, such as integers or decimal values. The most commonly used numeric datatypes are:

INT

The INT datatype is used to store whole numbers, such as 1, 2, 3, etc. It can store values from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647.

BIGINT

The BIGINT datatype is similar to the INT datatype, but it can store larger values. It can store values from -9,223,372,036,854,775,808 to 9,223,372,036,854,775,807.

DECIMAL

The DECIMAL datatype is used to store decimal values, such as 3.14 or 2.71828. It can store values up to a precision of 38 digits.

Character Datatypes

The character datatypes in SQL Server are used to store character data, such as strings. The most commonly used character datatypes are:

VARCHAR

The VARCHAR datatype is used to store variable length strings. It can store up to 8,000 characters.

CHAR

The CHAR datatype is used to store fixed length strings. It can store up to 8,000 characters.

Date and Time Datatypes

The date and time datatypes in SQL Server are used to store date and time values. The most commonly used date and time datatypes are:

DATE

The DATE datatype is used to store dates. It can store values from January 1, 0001 to December 31, 9999.

DATETIME

The DATETIME datatype is used to store date and time values. It can store values from January 1, 1753 to December 31, 9999.

TIME

The TIME datatype is used to store time values. It can store values from 00:00:00.0000000 to 23:59:59.9999999.

Binary Datatypes

The binary datatypes in SQL Server are used to store binary data, such as images or files. The most commonly used binary datatype is:

VARBINARY

The VARBINARY datatype is used to store variable length binary data. It can store up to 8,000 bytes of data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between INT and BIGINT datatypes?

The INT datatype is used to store whole numbers up to a maximum value of 2,147,483,647, while the BIGINT datatype can store larger whole numbers up to a maximum value of 9,223,372,036,854,775,807.

What is the difference between VARCHAR and CHAR datatypes?

The VARCHAR datatype is used to store variable length strings, while the CHAR datatype is used to store fixed length strings. VARCHAR is more versatile than CHAR, because it can store variable length strings up to a maximum of 8,000 characters.

What is the difference between DATE, DATETIME, and TIME datatypes?

The DATE datatype is used to store dates, the DATETIME datatype is used to store dates and times, and the TIME datatype is used to store times. DATE can store values from January 1, 0001 to December 31, 9999, DATETIME can store values from January 1, 1753 to December 31, 9999, and TIME can store values from 00:00:00.0000000 to 23:59:59.9999999.

What is the VARBINARY datatype used for?

The VARBINARY datatype is used to store variable length binary data, such as images or files. It can store up to 8,000 bytes of data.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SQL Server has several different datatypes that you can use to define your data. The datatypes you choose will depend on the type of data you need to store and how you plan to use it in your database. By understanding the different datatypes available in SQL Server, you can better design and build your database to meet your needs. Thanks for reading, Dev!