Data Types

Columns can store many different types of data, but each individual column may hold only one type. When a column is defined, its data type is specified. This enables it to efficiently store that type of data. For example, to store a number from 0 to 100, using a column defined as a single BYTE takes less space than one defined as a decimal number column (a byte can hold an unsigned whole number between 0 and 255).

 

Data Types Used in TelcoMgr

 

Byte : A numeric constant. If omitted, the initial value is zero, unless the AUTO attribute is present.

Date : DATE declares a four-byte date variable. A DATE used in a numeric expression is converted to the number of days elapsed since December 28, 1800. The valid Standard Date range is January 1, 1801 through December 31, 9999. Using an out-of-range date produces unpredictable results.

Decimal : A required numeric constant containing the total number of decimal digits (integer and fractional portion combined) in the variable. The maximum length is 31. Example = 10,000.50

Long : LONG declares a four-byte signed integer, using the Intel 8086 long integer format. The high-order bit is the sign bit (0 = positive, 1 = negative). Negative values are represented in standard two's complement notation.

Memo : Memo fields are large String fields used for alpha and/or numeric character or binary data elements.

String : STRING declares a fixed-length alpha and/or numeric character string. The memory assigned to the STRING is initialized to all blanks unless the AUTO attribute is present.

 

Format Examples and Pictures:

 

STRING(40) indicates a STRING field with 40 characters;

DECIMAL(9,2) indicates a DECIMAL field with 9 characters, 2 are to the right of the decimal, with attributes (minus, comma, period, currency symbol); 99,900.99;

LONG(-14) indicates a numeric field with 14 characters with a minus attribute.