What is the actual storage range of an INT data type in MySQL, and how is it affected by the display width specification?

INT Data Type in MySQL: Understanding the Value Range

When working with integers in MySQL, understanding the INT data type is crucial. A value of 8 for INT raises questions about its range of possible values.

INT Data Type Range

According to MySQL documentation, the INT data type allows for a display width specification in parentheses after the base keyword. For instance, INT(4) designates an INT with a display width of four digits. However, this display width solely affects how values are presented, not the actual range of data that can be stored.

The INT data type in MySQL has a standard range of -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647. Therefore, an INT with a value of 8 can store any integer within this range, not just those between 1 and 99999999 or 1 and 4294967295 UNSIGNED.

Display Width and Value Range

It's important to note that the display width specified for INT does not restrict the range of values that the column can hold. Even if a column is declared as INT(3), it can still store values outside the three-digit range, and such values will be correctly displayed without truncation.

In summary, the range of an INT data type with a value of 8 spans the entire signed 32-bit integer range from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647. The display width only impacts how values are formatted for presentation, not their actual storage or range constraints.

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