[AccessD] Number vs text data type

Although I agree with all of the comments made so far (leave it alone), you
might want to get the reason the DBA wants you to change it. There may be
something going on that hasn't been revealed to you yet. Every now nad then
this can happen :o)

JB

> -----Original Message-----
> From: accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com
> [mailto:accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com]On Behalf Of CYNTHIA SPELL
> Sent: Monday, October 13, 2003 7:58 AM
> To: accessd at databaseadvisors.com
> Subject: Re: [AccessD] Number vs text data type
>
>
> Thanks, Andy.  Actually, you're all giving me the answer I was
> looking for.  My database administrator wants me to make the
> change and I've been resisting....
>
>
>
> >>> andy at minstersystems.co.uk 10/13/03 08:43AM >>>
> Cynthia
> If you changed them to text and the numbers ever increased to the
> point where some went to an 8th digit then you'll wish you
> hadn't. Sorting of numbers of variable lengths when held as text
> is a problem. You get ansers like:
>
> 1
> 10
> 11
> 12
> 2
> 20
> 200
> 21
> 3
>
> and so on
>
> I agree with Gustav. With no good reason to do it I'd leave well alone.
> --
> Andy Lacey
> http://www.minstersystems.co.uk
>
>
>
> --------- Original Message --------
> From: "Access Developers discussion and problem solving"
> <accessd at databaseadvisors.com>
> To: "accessd at databaseadvisors.com" <accessd at databaseadvisors.com>
> Subject: Re: [AccessD] Number vs text data type
> Date: 13/10/03 11:54
>
>
> Thanks, Gustav!
>
> >>> gustav at cactus.dk 10/13/03 07:36AM >>>
> Hi CYNTHIA
>
> > I inherited a budget number database with the primary key being
> a 7-digit number. The data type for the field is currently number
> (long integer). Since the field requires no calculation, just
> > some sorting, I'm considering changing the data type to text.
> The budget number table links to quite a few other databases, so
> I'll have to change the field in other places. Is there a benefit to
> > or problem with using one or the other data type? I remember an
> instructor once saying that if there's a choice between using a
> text or number type, use number since numbers sort faster than text,
> > but I'm not so sure he knew what he was talking about.
>
> He did.
>
> With no good reason for the change, I would spend my time on more
> interesting tasks!
>
> /gustav
>
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