Data Types in MySQL
MySQL Data Types Explained Simply
Understanding MySQL data types is one of the most important steps when learning database design. Whether you are practicing on MySQL online platforms, managing an online database, or preparing for a MySQL DBA certification, choosing the correct data type ensures accuracy, performance, and data integrity.
Let’s explain the most commonly used MySQL data types in simple language.
What Are MySQL Data Types?
In MySQL, data types define the kind of data that can be stored in a column.
When you create a table in an online database, you must specify what type of data each column will hold. This helps:
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Prevent incorrect data entry
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Optimize storage
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Improve query performance
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Maintain data consistency
Now let’s understand the most commonly used MySQL data types.
1. INT (Integer)
INT is used to store whole numbers.
Examples:
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1
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100
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5000
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-25
Common Use Cases:
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Student ID
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Order Number
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Employee ID
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Quantity
INT is widely used in primary keys and numeric identifiers in online database systems.
2. VARCHAR (Variable Character)
VARCHAR stores text values (letters, words, sentences).
Examples:
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Name
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City
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Email
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Product Name
The key feature of VARCHAR is that it stores only the actual characters entered, saving storage space in your MySQL online database.
It is one of the most frequently used MySQL data types.
3. DATE
The DATE data type stores date values.
Format:
YYYY-MM-DD
Examples:
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2026-02-25
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2025-01-01
Common Use Cases:
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Date of Birth
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Order Date
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Joining Date
Using the correct date format ensures proper filtering and reporting in an online database.
4. FLOAT
FLOAT stores decimal or fractional numbers.
Examples:
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10.5
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99.99
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3.14
Common Use Cases:
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Product Price
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Percentage
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Measurement values
FLOAT is helpful when precision with decimals is required in MySQL online applications.
5. TEXT
TEXT is used to store large amounts of text.
Examples:
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Descriptions
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Comments
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Blog content
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Feedback
When storing long paragraphs in an online database, TEXT is more suitable than VARCHAR.
6. BOOLEAN
BOOLEAN stores true or false values.
Commonly represented as:
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1 (True)
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0 (False)
Use Cases:
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Is Active
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Is Verified
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Payment Completed
BOOLEAN is useful for status tracking inside database systems.
Final Thoughts
Mastering MySQL data types is the foundation of professional database management.
Before learning advanced topics like indexing, normalization, or performance tuning, you must be confident about:
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INT
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VARCHAR
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DATE
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FLOAT
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TEXT
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BOOLEAN
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