Informix Guide to SQL: Reference

Informix Guide to SQL: Reference
Chapter 2: Data Types

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Data Types Supported by Universal Server

Universal Server provides the following support for data types:

A number of built-in data types
Ability to allow users to define their own extended data types

The different data types that the Universal Server supports for creating columns of database tables are shown in Figure 2-1.


Figure 2-1 Data Types Supported by Universal Server

Both built-in and extended data types have the following function (with specific exceptions that are mentioned when each type is discussed):

They can be used to create columns of tables.
They can be used as arguments and as return types of functions.
They can be used to create distinct types.
They can be cast to other types.
They can be declared and accessed through SPL and ESQL/C.

You assign data types to columns with the CREATE TABLE statement and change them with the ALTER TABLE statement. When you change the data type of a column, all data is converted to the new data type, if possible. For more information on the ALTER TABLE and CREATE TABLE statements and data-type syntax conventions, refer to Chapter 1 of the Informix Guide to SQL: Syntax. For a general introduction to data types, see the Informix Guide to SQL: Tutorial.

Informix Guide to SQL: Reference, version 9.1
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