Attribute data types

Each database record contains multiple attributes. Every attribute has an associated data type.

Table 1. Attribute data types
Data type Data type name Description
ALN

Alphanumeric characters, mixed case

Maximum length depends on the database:
  • Oracle = 4000 characters
  • SQL Server = 8000 characters
  • DB2® = 32672 characters
AMOUNT

Decimal number, used for currency

 
BIGINT

Big integer

 
BLOB

Binary large object

Stores JPEG, movies, or PDF files in single records inside the database instead of in external files.

CLOB

Character large object

 
CRYPTO

Encrypted binary

Encrypts data on the screen and in the database. Used for password hints.

CRYPTOX

Encrypted binary (one-way)

Encrypts data in the database, but leaves it readable on the screen. Used for passwords.

DATE

Date only

 
DATETIME

Date and time

 
DECIMAL

Decimal number

A number that includes an integer and a fraction that consists of a fixed number of digits called the scale.

DURATION

Duration in hours

Appears as 1:30 = 1.5 hours

FLOAT

Floating number

Numbers with fractional portions with variable precision.

GL

General ledger account

An ALN data type that is used for GL Accounts.

INTEGER

Integer number

 
LONGALN

Long alphanumeric.

Used only for nonpersistent Long Description attributes. The corresponding native column in the database is defined as CLOB.

LOWER

Lowercase characters

 
SMALLINT

Small integer

 
TIME

Time only

 
UPPER

Uppercase characters

 
VARCHAR

Variable length character

 
YORN

Yes or No, 1 or 0 in the database