What are data types in a database?

Data types in a database serve as categorizations that define the kind of data that can be stored in a particular column of a table. These categorizations determine what kind of values the column can hold, such as integers, floating-point numbers, strings, dates, and more. By specifying data types, a database ensures data integrity and enforces constraints on the kind of information that can be entered into each column. This also allows the database management system to optimally manage storage and perform operations on the data, like sorting and calculations, effectively.

Other choices do not accurately reflect the concept of data types. Specifications for encryption relate to security measures rather than the categorization of stored data. Methods for compressing datasets pertain to storage efficiency and network bandwidth rather than how data is classified within a database structure. Formats for displaying data to users focus on presentation layers and user interfaces, which is separate from how data is categorized and stored in a database.