How to Store Large Integers in MySQL: Understanding the Limitations of BIGINT and Finding Alternative Options

Storing Large Integers in MySQL: Beyond BIGINT and VARCHAR

MySQL's BIGINT data type is conventionally believed to accommodate integers up to 20 digits. However, what options are available when integers exceed this limit?

Some platforms, such as Twitter API docs, suggest storing these large numbers as VARCHAR. This raises several questions:

• What are the limitations of BIGINT and why is it restricted to 64 bits?
• Why is using VARCHAR preferred for large integers in particular situations?
• How can we choose the appropriate data type for different integer requirements?

Limitations of BIGINT

While BIGINT can indeed handle integers up to 20 digits, its true limitation lies in its 64-bit representation. This means that integers beyond 18,446,744,073,709,551,615 cannot be accurately stored. Native format integers excel in speedy hardware manipulation, unlike textual representations.

Storing Integers Beyond 64 Bits

To accommodate integers exceeding 64 bits, the following options are available:

• VARCHAR: This type stores textual values and is suitable for large integers that do not require extensive mathematical operations.
• FLOAT: Floating-point numbers offer a wider range but compromise on precision.
• DECIMAL: Supports up to 65 digits for integral values, providing decimal accuracy.

Choosing the Right Data Type

The choice between BIGINT, VARCHAR, FLOAT, and DECIMAL depends on the specific requirements:

• For integers within the 64-bit range, BIGINT is the optimal choice.
• For integers exceeding 64 bits but requiring no numerical manipulation, VARCHAR serves well.
• For integers with higher precision and a range exceeding 64 bits, DECIMAL is the preferred option.
• For cases requiring a wider range but less precision, FLOAT can be considered.

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