In SQL, SMALLINT is a numeric data type that stores integer values ranging from -32,768 to 32,767. The SQL SMALLINT data type takes up 2 bytes of storage space and is commonly used for columns that store small numbers.
The main advantage of using the SMALLINT data type is that it requires less storage space than larger integer data types such as INT or BIGINT. This can be useful in situations where storage space is at a premium, such as when working with large databases.
However, it’s important to note that using a smaller data type can also have some drawbacks. For example, the range of values that can be stored in a SMALLINT column is more limited than that of an INT or BIGINT column. This means that if you need to store larger numbers, you will need to use a different data type.
In addition, working with SMALLINT data can sometimes require more effort, as it may be necessary to convert the data to a different data type before performing certain operations. For example, if you need to perform a mathematical calculation on a SMALLINT column, you may need to first convert it to an INT or FLOAT data type.
In summary, the SQL SMALLINT data type is a useful tool for storing small integer values in a database, but it’s important to be aware of its limitations and to choose the appropriate data type for your needs.