data type

An interpretation to use on a stored value. In 4GL, database columns, program variables, form fields, and formal arguments of a function (or report) all have data types associated with them. The 4GL data types include: integer--SMALLINT, INTEGER; fixed-point--DECIMAL(p,s), MONEY; floating-point--DECIMAL(p), FLOAT, SMALLFLOAT; character--CHAR, VARCHAR; blob--BYTE, TEXT; time--DATE, DATETIME, INTERVAL; structured--ARRAY, RECORD. A column in a database can also use the SERIAL data type.

See also blob, character, data type conversion, declare, fixed-point number, floating-point number, integer, interval, operator, simple data type, structured data type, variable.