MySQL - Question about how and why to use enumerated data types | Web Radiance

MySQL - Question about how and why to use enumerated data types Rate Topic:

#1 Beavis

W.R. Corporal

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Posted 10 July 2008 - 12:05 AM

As I understand it an enumerated data type is one where the allowable set of data input is
predefined as a set. For example if the field is "weather" - the enumerated set might be "hot,warm,cool,cold".

Question is, normally the input to such a field through a PHP form would only be restricted through a drop down list form element anyway,
so is there any real benefit in configuring a your database with an ENUM data type as opposed to a VARCHAR data type?

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#2 Karl Buckland

A.K.A. Sirkent

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Posted 10 July 2008 - 03:34 AM

The only real benefit is that MySQL will maintain the integrity of your data for you. So you absolutely know that only one of the predetermined items can be in the field.

QUOTE(benbramz @ Aug 17 2007, 07:44 AM) Ive noticed that quite a few people are now adding quotes from the board into their signature. I think its started an new web-radiance craze.. :P