SQL Data Types Explained | INT, VARCHAR, DATE, FLOAT & More | SQL Tutorial for Beginners
Definition
SQL Data Types are predefined categories that specify the type of data a column can store in a database table. They help the database manage, validate, and process data efficiently by defining whether a column will contain text, numbers, dates, or other types of information.
String Data Types
String data types are used to store text and character values such as names, addresses, emails, and descriptions. Common string data types in MySQL include CHAR, VARCHAR, and TEXT.
Numeric Data Types
Numeric data types are used to store numbers for calculations and mathematical operations. They can store whole numbers and decimal values. Common numeric data types include INT, BIGINT, DECIMAL, and FLOAT.
Date and Time Data Types
Date and time data types are used to store dates, times, or both. They are useful for recording events, transactions, and schedules. Common date and time data types include DATE, TIME, DATETIME, and TIMESTAMP.