What is MySQL INT Data Type?
In MySQL, the INT
data type stores integer values without decimal points, offering a fixed-point solution for whole numbers. Users define columns with this type to accommodate various numeric data within a specified range. Let’s dive further into MySQL’s INT
data type!
What is the syntax for MySQL’s INT
?
To define a column with the INT
data type in MySQL, users employ the following syntax:
column_name INT[(M)] [UNSIGNED] [ZEROFILL]
M
: Specifies the display width, affecting the visual representation without altering the stored range.UNSIGNED
: Optionally signifies that the column accepts only non-negative values, expanding the positive range.ZEROFILL
: Optionally pads the displayed value with zeros up to the defined width, commonly used withUNSIGNED
.
Example
Consider this table creation example:
CREATE TABLE example_table ( id INT, age INT UNSIGNED );
Here, id
is a signed INT
column, while age
is an unsigned INT
column.
Storage requirements
Storage needs for INT
in MySQL differ based on its size:
INT
: Occupies 4 bytes and accommodates values from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647.INT UNSIGNED
: Also uses 4 bytes but allows values within 0 to 4,294,967,295.
Usage
The INT
data type serves various purposes, including storing counts, IDs, and other numeric data without decimal precision.
Conclusion
MySQL's INT
data type offers a flexible solution for storing integer values within defined ranges. Mastery of its syntax, storage considerations, and usage scenarios is crucial for effective database management and query optimization.
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