SQL Server is one of the most popular relational database management system that is used today. Other names for this database is Microsoft SQL Server or MSSQL. It is mostly used by high-end users who have advanced requirements for their specific enterprises. It is one of the two full-featured database systems that markets are using today – the other being the Oracle.
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is widely used by large scale databases to help facilitate the interaction between users and the administrator of the system. This particular language allows a flexible interface by which databases can come in all forms and sizes. All database transaction will always be made by SQL. In most cases, you will not realize it because it is supported by programs that simplify database administration tasks, like the GUIs or the graphical user interfaces. But behind all of that will always be the SQL.
The Microsoft SQL Server uses Transact-SQL – just as the Oracle databases use PL/SQL. Although they have variations, they are all based on the ANSI SQL – which is the industry standard.
When designing an SQL Server database, it is important for you to determine the data type that you will be using. The data type will have an impact on the performance, storage and efficiency of the database that will be created and eventually enhanced along the way.
This particular database offer 6 different data type categories.
- Exact numeric data type. This allows the storing of numeric values so the precision of a variable can be specified. The numeric values can include both integer or decimal values. In fact, these are the two common categories for this particular data type.
- Approximate numeric data type. This is not as precise as the previous data type because it will concentrate on a number of digits in storing them precisely. The other values in the variable is subjecting to rounding off – that can sometimes end up in errors. This is why this data type is not as popularly used as the exact numeric data type.
- Date and time data type. As the name suggests, this data type will allow the storing of timestamps. It allows designers to incorporate time zones, date with no time or time with no date, and even dates in the past, present and future whenever it is appropriate.
- Character string data type. This refer to text-based values that can be stored in the database. This includes Unicode character strings that either have fixed-lengths or non fixed-lengths.
- Binary data type. This allows designers to store any type of binary data – even entire files that require up to 2GB of storage space. It can store variable length data – even images, as long as the maximum storage capacity of 2GB will not be reached.
- Other data types. Everything else that was not included in the above mentioned data types are in this category. Tables, XML, identifiers and cursors are permitted storage in the SQL Server database.
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