Signed vs Unsigned Integers

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The integer data type is probably one of the more common data types when working with database management systems (and with computing in general). The integer is a numeric data type that allows us to store certain kinds of numbers.

More specifically, an integer is the number zero (0), a positive natural number (e.g. 1, 2, 3, …) or a negative integer with a minus sign (e.g. −1, −2, −3, …). Integers contain no decimal or fractional part.

However, many computing environments distinguish between signed integers and unsigned integers.

Let’s take a look at the difference between signed integers and unsigned integers.

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FORMAT_BYTES() in MySQL

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In MySQL, FORMAT_BYTES() is a built in function that converts a numeric byte count to a more human-readable format. It returns a string consisting of the value and a units indicator.

We provide the numeric byte count when we call the function.

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Fix Error “1064 (42000): You have an error in your SQL syntax…” When Trying to Convert to an Integer in MySQL

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If you’re getting error number 1064 that reads something like “1064 (42000): You have an error in your SQL syntax; check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use near ‘INTEGER )’ at line 1“, it could be that you’re using the wrong term for the integer.

MySQL doesn’t let us use just the INTEGER keyword when converting to an integer. We need to use either SIGNED or UNSIGNED, optionally followed by INTEGER or INT. When we do this, it produces a signed or unsigned BIGINT value.

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SQLite ABS() Explained

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In SQLite, ABS() is a built-in scalar function that returns the absolute value of its argument.

The absolute value is the non-negative equivalent of the argument. It can be thought of as the distance from zero that the number resides on the number line, without considering direction.

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Fix Msg 3728 in SQL Server “… is not a constraint”

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If you’re getting an error that reads something like “Msg 3728, Level 16, State 1, Line 1
‘DF__Dogs__DogId__6FE99F9F’ is not a constraint“, it’s probably because you’re trying to drop a constraint that isn’t in the database.

To fix this issue, check to make sure the constraint exists before dropping it. Alternatively, use the IF EXISTS clause to drop the constraint only if it exists.

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MySQL VERSION() Explained

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In MySQL, VERSION() is a built-in function that returns the MySQL server version.

The result is a string that uses the utf8mb3 character set. A suffix may also be appended to the version number indicating server build or configuration information.

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How to Create a Repeating Sequence in SQL Server

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When we create a sequence object in SQL Server, we have the option of making it a repeating sequence or a nonrepeating sequence. By repeating I mean, we can have the sequence continually start again once the min/max value has been reached. In other words, we can have the sequence reiterate over and over again.

We can do this with the CYCLE argument.

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