In this Oracle tutorial, we will learn about the Real datatype in the oracle database. Also, we will illustrate how to use it to create raw columns for a table in oracle.
Introduction to Oracle Real Datatype
In Oracle 21c, single-precision floating-point integers are stored in the REAL datatype, a floating-point datatype. In some other databases, it is also referred to as the FLOAT datatype.
Oracle Real datatype Syntax
The syntax for declaring a column of Real datatype in Oracle 21c is as follows:
column_name REAL;
The REAL datatype is used to store approximate numeric data values. It is represented in 32 bits and can store a range of values from -3.4028235E38 to 3.4028235E38.
The precision of the REAL datatype is approximately seven decimal digits. The REAL datatype is often used in scientific calculations where precision is not a critical factor.
Also, check: Char Datatype in Oracle Database
Oracle Real datatype Example
Here is an example of the REAL datatype in Oracle 21c:
CREATE TABLE employees (
emp_salary REAL
);
In this example, we create a table named employees with a single column named emp_salary of type REAL.
Now we will insert the values into an employee table in oracle
INSERT INTO employees (emp_salary) VALUES (4.14);
select * from employees;

Read: Oracle nclob Datatype
Example:
Now we will use the Real datatype in a SQL developer tool using oracle 21c.
In this given example, we create a table called “Customers” with two columns: “cust_id” and “cust_salary”. The “cust_salary” column is of type Real.

Now we will insert the values into a following given table
INSERT INTO customers (cust_salary) VALUES (4.14);
select * from customers;

Advantages of oracle real datatype
- Small storage: Because a REAL data type only requires 4 bytes of storage, it is a good choice for large databases that require a lot of data.
- High accuracy: The REAL data type, which offers a high degree of precision, is suited for scientific or financial applications where precision is essential.
- Speed: The REAL data type is built for rapid processing, making high-performance computing applications a good fit for it.
- Because it is compatible with so many different programming languages, a REAL data type is a fantastic choice for developers that need to work with a variety of frameworks or languages.
Also, check: Oracle long raw Datatype
Features of oracle real datatype
- Storage Efficiency: The REAL datatype uses less storage than the DOUBLE PRECISION or NUMBER datatypes, requiring only four bytes per value.
- Calculations can be performed with a high degree of precision because to the floating-point representation used by the REAL data type.
- Widely Used: The REAL datatype is frequently used in engineering and scientific applications that need accurate floating-point calculations.
Conclusion:
So, in this Oracle tutorial, we understood how to define and use the real Datatype in Oracle Database. And we have also covered a few sample examples related to it.
Also, take a look at some more Oracle tutorials.
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