SQLite - 2 - SQLite Data Types

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SQLite supports a variety of data types that allow you to define the kind of data a column can store. Understanding these data types is essential for creating well-structured tables and ensuring data integrity in your SQLite databases. Here, we’ll explore the most commonly used data types in SQLite and their characteristics.

Common SQLite Data Types:

INTEGER: The INTEGER data type is used to store whole numbers. It can store signed integers with a variable length of up to 8 bytes. Commonly used for primary keys and numeric values.
TEXT: The TEXT data type is used for storing text strings. It can store character data in various encodings, making it suitable for strings of any length, including text, email addresses, and more.
REAL: The REAL data type is used for storing floating-point numbers, such as decimals or fractions. It can represent both integer and fractional values accurately.
BLOB: BLOB stands for Binary Large Object. This data type is used to store binary data, such as images, audio, or other non-text data. BLOB columns can store any binary content, making them versatile for various purposes.
NUMERIC: The NUMERIC data type can store numeric values, including integers and floating-point numbers. It is a generic data type for numbers and is less common than INTEGER and REAL.
DATE: Although SQLite doesn’t have a dedicated DATE data type, you can store date and time information as TEXT, REAL, or INTEGER and use built-in date and time functions for manipulation.
BOOLEAN: SQLite doesn’t have a BOOLEAN data type, but you can use INTEGER with 0 for FALSE and 1 for TRUE to represent boolean values.

Examples of SQLite Data Types:

Here are some examples of defining columns with various data types in an SQLite table:

-- Creating a table with different data types
CREATE TABLE products (
    product_id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,
    product_name TEXT,
    price REAL,
    description TEXT,
    image BLOB
);

In this example:

product_id is defined as an INTEGER data type and set as the primary key.
product_name is defined as a TEXT data type, suitable for storing text.
price is defined as a REAL data type to handle floating-point numbers.
description is also defined as a TEXT data type, appropriate for longer text.
image is defined as a BLOB data type to store binary image data.

Choosing the Right Data Type:

Selecting the appropriate data type for each column is crucial for database efficiency and data integrity. Here are some considerations:

Size: Choose a data type that can accommodate the range of values you expect for a column without excessive padding or wasted space.
Performance: Smaller data types (e.g., INTEGER) are generally faster to work with than larger ones (e.g., TEXT or BLOB).
Data Validation: Use data types to enforce data integrity and validation rules. For instance, using INTEGER for a birth year column can ensure that only valid years are stored.
Storage Efficiency: TEXT and BLOB data types can use more storage space than INTEGER or REAL. Be mindful of storage constraints, especially in mobile or embedded applications.
Query Complexity: The choice of data type can impact the complexity of SQL queries, especially when using date and time data. Using INTEGER for Unix timestamps can simplify date calculations.
Compatibility: Consider the compatibility of data types with your programming language or framework, as some may map better to certain data types.

SQLite is flexible in its handling of data types, allowing you to work with a wide range of data. However, it’s essential to understand the characteristics of each data type and choose the one that best fits your data and application requirements. Properly selecting and defining data types will help ensure data accuracy, efficiency, and reliability in your SQLite databases.

SQLite – 2 – SQLite Data Types