Data Types
5 minutes to readA ‘data type’ specifies the type of information that can be stored in a table field. It is configured on the Table Design screen. The table below lists the data types available in Caspio with examples on where to use each one.
Note: The Conversion Compatibility column shows the data types to which a field in the original data type can be converted and whether there is a possibility of data loss. It is useful when converting the data types of existing tables or when importing and appending data into existing tables. Also, when outside fields are mapped to Caspio table fields for certain areas of Caspio (such as in the Connections area), the conversion compatibility should be considered.
| Data Type | Description | Examples | Conversion Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text (255) | Used for a string of text of up to 255 alphanumeric characters and/or symbols. This data type is the most common data type and yields the fastest performance in searches. You can also use this data type for numeric characters that are not used as numbers in calculations or formatting—such as phone numbers, zip codes, and social security numbers. Not doing so impacts formatting and prevents proper sorting by this field. | First_Name, State, Phone, Zip_Code | Text (64000) File (provided that the text field contains proper file paths) |
| Text (64000) | Used for a long string of text of up to 64,000 alphanumeric characters and/or symbols. Use this data type for description fields or other lengthy text data. Otherwise, use Text (255), which performs much faster. | Description, Comments | Text (255) (longer strings are truncated) File (provided that the text field contains proper file paths) |
| Number | Used for decimal numbers. | Weight, height, area, percentage values | Text (255) Text (64000) Integer (decimal values are truncated) Currency (allows up to four decimal points) |
| Integer | Used for numbers that do not have a decimal point, can be used as IDs and in relationships. | Age, number of children | Text (255) Text (64000) Number Currency |
| Currency | Used for money fields in any currency. | Price, Salary | Text (255) Text (64000) Integer (decimal values are truncated) |
| Autonumber | An automatically-assigned ID field. The value is incremented by 1 for each new record and cannot be changed except by resetting it for the entire table. | Customer_ID, Record_ID | Text (255) Text (64000) Number Integer Currency |
| Prefixed Autonumber | An automatically-assigned ID field with the ability to add a prefix. Use the Options area to configure the prefix and number format of the ID code to be generated. | Customer_ID, Record_ID | Text (255) Text (64000) |
| Random ID | A unique system-generated random ID field with the ability to add a prefix as well as define the length and composition of characters, digits, or both. Use the Options area to configure the prefix and number of characters the ID code should contain. You can also specify whether to include alphabet characters only, numbers only, or both (alphanumeric). | Customer_ID, Record_ID | Text (255) Text (64000) |
| GUID | A system-generated and globally-unique identifier value, typically used as a complex unique value. | Customer_ID, Record_ID | Text (255) Text (64000) |
| Date/Time | Used for date and time data. DataPages automatically display a calendar picker for date/time fields. ‘Precision’ is specified in the DataPage and is used to configure which part of the date or time part is used. Use the Options area to specify whether or not to allow blank values in this field. | Followup_Date, Date_of_Birth | Text (255) Text (64000) Timestamp |
| Yes/No | Used for fields that allow only two possible values: yes or no (true or false). By default a Yes/No input field appears as a checkbox in forms. | Active_User, Requested_Newsletter, Published | Text (255) Text (64000) Number |
| Attachment (Flex) | Used for storing files directly in tables. Attachment fields allow users to upload files through the Datasheet or with Submission Forms, Update/details Forms, and Sign-up Forms. One uploaded file can be used only in one attachment field, in one record, and it cannot be shared between other records in the same table or other tables. Files uploaded using the Attachment data type are not going to be visible in the Files area of Bridge. | Profile_Photo, Resume, Contract | N/A |
| File (Bridge) | Used to associate files with a record. File fields allow your app users to upload files using a web form. Files are stored in your database and can be used in DataPages. Files can also be accessed in the Files area of All Assets, organized in a file folder structure. | Profile_Photo, Resume, Contract | Text (255) may be truncated Text (64000) |
| Password | Used for storing user passwords. The value of this field is always encrypted and cannot be seen in Datasheet or DataPages. | Password | None |
| Timestamp | A timestamp is a type of smart field that automatically records the date and time when a record is submitted and/or updated. Use the Options area to configure the time zone and the general behavior of the timestamp. | Date_Submitted, Date_Updated | Text (255) Text (64000) Date/Time |
| Formula | A formula field is a calculated value based on other fields of the record and various math, date/time, text and other expressions. Use the Options area to create the formula. | Full_Name, Profit, Shift_Duration | The data type of a formula field depends on its expression and return value and follows the conversion compatibility for that data type. After any conversion, the computed values are replaced with static values. |
| List | A special data type for storing a collection of strings, numbers or dates in a single field. | Allergies, Pizza_Toppings | None |
