Type N & I

[Former Member]

Q]] typically to store zip codes, account numbers...etc we use type N. Why do we not use type I ---any specific reason?

[rainer_hbenthal]

Histrorical reasons, N is used mostly for numbers where no callcualtion takes place. Its just a character field conatining only numbers. Cause of the lack of calculation no conversion into int, float or packed is needed.

[Former Member]

Hi,

Normally for Zip codes and account numbers we use type 'N'.

for example if we have a variable with 20 characters for a account number and actual number is 12 characters only then if we use this variable as type 'N' all remaining 8 characters will be '0' are added first and 12 character number will followed by 8 zeros, but if we use as type 'I' it will store those 12 characters only.

Thanks & Regards,

Rajni MV.

[Former Member]

Hi,

Type N is a character type which is specifically used to hold Numbers and are not calculation oriented in general. Thats why zip codes, account numbers are stored as type N on which calculations wont be done in general. Where as those defined as Type I is a numeric type and is used for calculations

Vikranth

[Former Member]

may be only because you can vary the length in type N

[Former Member]

This message was moderated.

[Former Member]

Hi,

To store the zip codes / account numbers say one of the value is '001011'

if the variable of type i is used it simply ignores the leading zeroes & takes the value as '1011'

hence u can use the variable of type N where calculations need not be performed.

Regards,

Deeba.

[Former Member]

thank you -

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