CREATE TYPE statement

Five different kinds of user-defined data types can be created using this statement. Each of these types is described separately.

• Array. A user-defined data type that is an ordinary array or an associative array. The elements of an array type are based on one of the built-in data types or a user-defined type other than a cursor type or structured type.
• Cursor. A user-defined data type that is a cursor type.
• Distinct. A user-defined data type that is sourced on one of the built-in data types and can be defined to use strong type rules or weak type rules.. Functions that cast between the user-defined distinct type and the source built-in data type are generated when a strongly typed distinct type is created. Optionally, support for comparison operations to use with the strongly typed distinct type can be generated when the user-defined distinct type is created.
• Row. A user-defined data type that represents a row. It includes one or more fields with associated data types that make up a row of data.
• Structured. A user-defined data type that represents an object and associated methods. It may include zero or more attributes and may be a subtype allowing attributes to be inherited from a supertype. Some methods are generated when the user-defined structured type is created and others can be specified as part of the definition.