Data Types and Storage of Values
ALPHA/CHAR and VARALPHA/ VARCHAR Values
If an ALPHA or CHAR object is assigned the value abc///// (with five trailing blanks), it is stored as abc///// (fixed length value).
If a VARALPHA or VARCHAR object is assigned the value abc/////, it is stored as abc without any trailing blanks, but with an indicator that gives the length of the value (variable length value).
Maximum Lenth for ALPHA/CHAR and VARALPHA/VARCHAR
| ALPHA | CHAR | VARAPLHA | VARCHAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32767 bytes | 32767 bytes | 32767 bytes | 32767 bytes |
INT and LONGINT Values
INT, LONGINT and VASTINT values are stored “without decimals”. Actually, the decimal information is stored separately.
The “non-decimal” value (value of the significant digits) must fall within the range of the applicable data type.
Examples – INT Values
| Value | Significant Digits | Number of Decimals | Valid Maximum/Minimum Values |
|---|---|---|---|
| 123.4 | 1234 | 1 | 3276.7 / -3276.8 |
| 12.34 | 1234 | 2 | 327.67 / -327.68 |
| 12.34 | 1234 | 3 | 32.767 / -32.768 |
| 0.01234 | 1234 | 5 | 0.32767 / -0.32768 |
Examples – LONGINT Values
| Value | Significant Digits | Number of Decimals | Valid Maximum/Minimum Values |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.23456 | 123456 | 5 | 21474.83647 / -21474.83647 |
| 1234.56 | 123456 | 2 | 21474836.47 / -21474836.47 |
See Also