The word "smallint" is a programming term used to describe a small integer data type. The spelling of "smallint" stems from its origin in computer programming, where words are often combined to form new terms. The pronunciation of "smallint" is /smɔːlɪnt/, with stress on the first syllable. The IPA transcription of the word includes the phonetic symbols for the sounds in the word, such as the "s" sound represented by /s/, the "l" sound represented by /l/, and the "n" sound represented by /n/.
Smallint is a data type commonly used in computer programming and database management systems to define a variable or column that can store small whole numbers. It is a compact representation of an integer data type with a smaller range of values and a smaller storage size compared to other integer types, such as int or bigint.
In most programming languages, smallint is a 16-bit signed integer data type. This means that it can store whole numbers ranging from -32,768 to 32,767 (or -2^15 to 2^15-1), inclusive. The storage size of smallint typically occupies 2 bytes in memory.
Smallint is often used when the range of possible values required is known to be relatively small, such as representing months, days of the week, or other simple numerical values. It provides an efficient use of storage space, especially in situations where a large number of smallint variables or columns are needed.
When working with databases, smallint is commonly used to define columns that store numerical data requiring a limited range. For example, a smallint column may be used to store the ages of individuals or the number of items in stock. By using smallint instead of larger integer types, unnecessary memory or storage space is conserved.
Overall, smallint is a data type that provides an optimized storage solution for small, whole numbers in programming and database contexts, offering a balance between efficient storage space usage and limited range of values.
The term "smallint" is a combination of two words: "small" and "int".
"Small" is derived from the Old English word "smæl", which means "not large or big", or "little". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "smalaz".
"Int" is short for "integer", which is a mathematical term referring to a whole number (positive, negative, or zero) without any fractions or decimals. The word "integer" comes from the Latin word "integer", meaning "whole" or "untouched".
Therefore, "smallint" is a word formed by combining "small" with "int", and it is often used in computer programming to refer to a data type that represents small integers, typically using fewer bits or memory storage compared to other integer types.