Chapter 2. Defining Data Structures

In this second hour, you learn more about the data you viewed at the end of Hour 1, “Welcome to the World of SQL.” You learn the characteristics of the data itself and how such data is stored in a relational database. There are several data types, as you’ll soon discover.

The highlights of this hour include:

  • A look at the underlying data of a table

  • An introduction to the basic data types

  • Instruction on the use of various data types

  • Examples depicting differences between data types

What Is Data?

Data is a collection of information stored in a database as one of several different data types. Data includes names, numbers, dollar amounts, text, graphics, decimals, figures, calculations, summarization, and just about anything ...

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