Typically, you only want to declare something as a NUMBER if you are going to use it to perform math on the field. This is a way of sending a message to programmers that this field is essentially immutable for this record, at least without good reason.

Second, who says that an SSN needs to be a number? By declaring it as alphanumeric, you would have much less chance for pain if all the Social Security numbers are used up. We would have a second Y2K if the government ever decided to switch, but it would be more likely that they would introduce characters to the SSN rather than try to enlarge the record.

In reply to Re: SSN's possible new Y2K problem? by Steve_p
in thread SSN's possible new Y2K problem? by Anonymous Monk

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