Reading Time: 4 minutesWhen working with character string data types in Microsoft SQL Server, you might see CHAR and VARCHAR and wonder, “What’s the difference between the two“? In this very brief tutorial, we’ll discuss the difference between CHAR and VARCHAR. I actually have a full tutorial on all the character string data types Continue Reading
Data Types
SQL CHAR Data Type: Explained
Reading Time: 5 minutesThe SQL CHAR data type is definitely a common data type you should know when querying and developing SQL Server databases. In this very brief tutorial, I’ll teach you everything you need to know about the SQL CHAR data type, and why it is a great choice for storing character Continue Reading
SQL VARCHAR Data Type: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners
Reading Time: 5 minutesIt’s very important to know a thing or two about data types in Microsoft SQL Server. We need to understand the differences between various data types so our tables don’t waste space, and so that our queries perform as efficiently as possible. One such data type we should understand is Continue Reading
SQL Server Custom Data type: A How-To Guide
Reading Time: 5 minutesOne of the more interesting things you can do within Microsoft SQL Server is create your own custom data type. The process is actually very simple. In this very brief tutorial, we’re going to learn how to create a custom data type in SQL Server. We’ll discuss these topics: The Continue Reading
Need a SQL Server Boolean value? Use the BIT data type!
Reading Time: 6 minutesWhen creating a table or database object in SQL Server, there are definitely instances where you will need to store a Boolean value (aka true or false). But is there such a thing as a SQL Server Boolean? In SQL Server, there is absolutely a data type we can use to Continue Reading
SQL DECIMAL vs NUMERIC: What’s the difference? (THERE IS NONE)
Reading Time: 2 minutesThis might be the worlds shortest blog post. If you’re looking to understand the SQL DECIMAL vs NUMERIC data types, understand this: The SQL Server DECIMAL and NUMERIC data types are synonyms and can be used interchangeably. I pulled that information directly from the Microsoft documentation: decimal and numeric (Transact-SQL). Continue Reading
SQL Server DECIMAL: Everything you need to know
Reading Time: 7 minutesThe SQL Server DECIMAL data type is a very common data type you will see and use in your career as a database professional. It’s important for you to know how it works and the rules for setting it up. DECIMAL is, of course, ideal for when you need to Continue Reading
DATENAME function: Explained
Reading Time: 7 minutesThe DATENAME function is a system function in Microsoft SQL Server we can use to present meaningful date information to the user. We use this function to basically spell out a specific part of a date value. For example, if we have a date of 4/1/2021, we can use DATENAMEÂ to Continue Reading
DATETIME2 Data Type: Explained
Reading Time: 7 minutesThe DATETIME2 data type is one of several data types used to keep track of date and time information, obviously. Just like any other data type, there is a time and place where DATETIME2 might be the preferred type to use over other date and time types, like it’s close Continue Reading
SQL Integer Data Types – Everything you need to know
Reading Time: 6 minutesKnowing the difference between all the integer data types available to us in Microsoft SQL Server is very important when it comes to the task of designing and developing SQL Server databases. Most people don’t realize that a data type is essentially a constraint, meaning the data type you choose Continue Reading