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PostgreSQL SMALLINT
Definition:
The SMALLINT data type in PostgreSQL is a two-byte integer that can store numbers ranging from -32,768 to 32,767. It is typically used when you need to save space and do not require the larger range provided by other integer types.
Use Cases:
Ideal for storing small numeric values such as age, number of items, or other small-range integers where space optimization is crucial.
Syntax:
To define a column with the SMALLINT type, use the following syntax:
CREATE TABLE example_table (
id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
small_number SMALLINT
);
Advantages:
Using SMALLINT helps to reduce storage requirements for databases that handle large amounts of rows with small integer values.
Limitations:
The range is limited to -32,768 to 32,767, which might not be sufficient for some applications requiring larger numbers.
Example Query:
Here's how you can insert and retrieve data using SMALLINT:
INSERT INTO example_table (small_number) VALUES (12345);
SELECT * FROM example_table WHERE small_number = 12345;
Console Output:
id | small_number ---+-------------- 1 | 12345 (1 row)
