Numeric Data Types | PostgreSQL

📄️ smallint

Choose PostgreSQL smallint for compact integer storage, understand range limits, and apply it safely.

Use PostgreSQL integer (int4) for general-purpose whole numbers and understand range, indexing, and common patterns.

Use PostgreSQL bigint (int8) for long-lived identifiers and high-volume counters with large ranges.

Use PostgreSQL numeric/decimal for exact precision (money-like values), understand precision/scale, and performance tradeoffs.

Use PostgreSQL real (float4) for approximate values, understand rounding behavior, and avoid it for money.

Use PostgreSQL double precision (float8) for approximate values with higher precision, and understand tradeoffs.

Use PostgreSQL GENERATED AS IDENTITY (and legacy serial types), understand sequences, and choose safe primary key patterns.

Use PostgreSQL boolean correctly, understand TRUE/FALSE/NULL behavior, and avoid integer-boolean confusion.

Use PostgreSQL bit and bit varying types for fixed-length bit strings and understand when booleans or integers are better.