What are the characteristics of decimal in SQL?
The Decimal type in SQL is a precise numeric data type used for storing numbers with a fixed precision and scale. Here are some characteristics of the Decimal type.
- Precision: The Decimal data type can store very large or very small numbers, and can maintain a fixed precision without losing any significant digits.
- The decimal type allows for specifying the number of decimal places, making it possible to store decimal values.
- Storage space: The Decimal type takes up more space than floating point types, but it offers higher precision.
- Accurate calculation: The Decimal type supports precise calculations, avoiding rounding errors that may occur in floating point calculations.
- Range control: The Decimal type allows specifying the range of numerical values and can restrict the range of values by constraints.
- Best suited scenarios: The Decimal type is particularly suitable for situations requiring precise calculation and storage of decimal values, such as financial data and currency calculations.
It is important to note that using the Decimal data type may consume a significant amount of storage space and computational resources, so when choosing the Decimal type, it is necessary to weigh the requirements of storage space and computational performance according to actual needs.