new field using ALTER

[dc20]

I get syntax error in field definition running this in an Access Query (sql) and highlights decimal.

ALTER TABLE VENDORS
ADD last_column decimal(6,2);

I've tried various forms of it and if I use "int" instead of "decimal(6,2)", then it works ok. One of the books I'm reading leads me to believe decimal is a valid. I tried "numeric(6,2)" also, that gives a syntax error too.

I also see them listed here too under datatypes..

http://www.w3schools.com/sql/sql_create.asp

 

[dc20]

Well, I just got "numeric" and "number" to work (below), but it doesn't specify number of decimals. I guess that could be done with properties, but I don't understand why I see references to specifying # of decimals in the sql unless it's not applicable to Access.

ALTER TABLE VENDORS
ADD last_column numeric;

ALTER TABLE VENDORS
ADD last_column number;

 

[JohnLowell]

Try and use the Float data type:

ALTER TABLE VENDORS
ADD last_column Float;

You can't specify the size (or decimal places) of numbers, that's why they have so many different types.

You should look up SQL Data Types in the help file.

John

 

[dc20]

I did some lookups of data types for sql and that's where I got the impression I could include a decimal specification.

So now in addition to the "numeric" and "number" specifications I already mentioned, I can use "float" - but neither specifies decimal places. You say # of decimals can't be specified - then ok. But I don't understand what float buys me that numeric and number doesn't ?

thanks for any additional clarification.

Dave.

 

[HitechUser]

dc20,

This may help..

http://www.tek-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=457077

Hmmmmm...

 

[dc20]

thanks, HitechUser !