When creating a table in MySQL, choosing the right data type for each column is crucial. It defines what kind of values that column can hold — whether it’s text, numbers, dates, or true/false values.
- Data types in MySQL define the kind of data that can be stored in each column of a table — like numbers, text, or dates.
- They ensure data accuracy and memory efficiency by allocating the right storage size and format.
- MySQL supports different categories of data types: Numeric, String (Character), Date/Time, and Spatial.
- Choosing the right data type is crucial for performance optimization and preventing invalid data entries.
- Some types like VARCHAR are flexible for text, while others like INT, DECIMAL, and DATE are more specific.
- Each column in a table must be assigned a specific data type when the table is created or altered.