Varchar can be used like a Int field?

[MasterACE14]

Hey,

 

Is it possible to make a varchar field, and use it as if it was a Int field? and if so, how big can the varchar field be? What sought of number size can it accomodate?

 

Regards ACE

[wildteen88]

Why would you want to use a VARCHAR datatype to store integers? VARCHAR is used to store small strings - maximum length would be 255 characters. Use INT datatype to store integers.

[richardw]

As far as storing numbers, yes. Make sure to set the field size to hold the largest of your expected number. When actually processing, use intval()

 

 <?php 
$n1= "100"; // assume it came from a vchar field
$n2 = "25";
$n3 = intval($n1)+ intval($n2);
echo $n3;
?>

[Barand]

The max unsigned integer size is about 4,000,000,000 (10 digits). To store as varchar is 11 bytes. To store as int is 4 bytes. So why bother with varchar for integers?

[MasterACE14]

The max unsigned integer size is about 4,000,000,000 (10 digits). To store as varchar is 11 bytes. To store as int is 4 bytes. So why bother with varchar for integers?

 

ok, I think i'll stick with integers.

 

Thanks guys.

 

ACE