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What are NUMERIC and DECIMAL Types in Databases?
When it comes to storing numerical data in databases, two common data types that are often used are NUMERIC and DECIMAL types. These data types are specifically designed to handle precision numbers, allowing for accurate representation and calculations with decimal points. Let’s dive deeper into understanding these concepts.
NUMERIC Type
The NUMERIC type, sometimes referred to as DEC, NUM, or DECIMAL, is a database column type that stores exact numeric values with a fixed precision and scale. The precision refers to the total number of digits that can be represented in the number, while the scale represents the number of digits that can be stored after the decimal point.
For example, the NUMERIC(5,2) data type can store values with a total of 5 digits, with 2 digits after the decimal point. So, it can represent values like 123.45, 10.50, or 987.99. The precision and scale values can be adjusted to fit the specific requirements of the data being stored.
One of the advantages of using the NUMERIC type is that it provides accurate calculations and avoids rounding errors. It is commonly used in financial applications, where precision and accuracy are crucial.
DECIMAL Type
The DECIMAL type is similar to the NUMERIC type and is often considered synonymous with it in many database systems. It is used to store decimal numbers with a fixed precision and scale.
The DECIMAL type is particularly useful when dealing with monetary values, as it ensures accurate calculations and precision during financial calculations. It allows for specifying the exact number of digits and the number of decimal places in the stored value.
For example, a DECIMAL(8,3) column can store a total of 8 digits, with 3 digits after the decimal point. It can hold values such as 1234.567, 9876.543, or 10.000. The precision and scale values can be adjusted based on the requirements of the application.
Conclusion
In summary, the NUMERIC and DECIMAL data types are essential in databases to handle precision numbers accurately. They offer fixed precision and scale, allowing for the correct representation and calculations of decimal values. Their usage is particularly relevant in applications dealing with financial data or any other context that requires exactness in numerical calculations.
By understanding these basic concepts of precision numbers, you can make informed decisions when choosing the appropriate data types for storing and retrieving numeric values in databases.
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