Worked on more than a few systems storing phone numbers. I've encounter char, varchar(2) and even pic x(n), but cannot recall having a phone number stored as an integer. In fact most of the storage methods have been so freeform (lazy coding?) as to have caused numerous datascrubs to excise or maybe make uniform the hodgepodge of ways people enter phone numbers. (argument for integer?)

lzcd makes great points about non numeric characters for area code and international numbers. I suggest that if you avoid integer, make sure you take measures to edit/format the numbers uniformly right up front.

and...imagine if someday we begin using HEX phones due to lack of numbers. an int won't handle a-f . maybe tell your boss that this could someday dwarf the Y2K problem ;-)

I wouldn't figure you'd draw any lines in the sand over this, if the boss is clamoring for an integer...

In reply to Re: Question about phone number storage. by wardk
in thread Question about phone number storage. by rfb

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