> > >>>I have a system where new records are being added to tables > >>>and receive sequential ID numbers which are the primary > >>>keys. Is there a difference between using numeric and > >>>integer types for these fields? > >> > >>Consider using a character type for your system generated key? I used a system generated key in some tables that is C(4) and stored like (0001, 0002, 0003). > > > > > >which works faster w/ seeks, char, numeric or integer? i've read about studies on this but can't remember... > > Integer. Reason - Takes up only 4 bytes so that index files are smaller. Also, I believe I heard that the engine is optimized for Integer keys (don't hold to > > -Doug- To be on the safe side, I would go for a character key, be it only because you might want to concatenate the key in a composite secundary key, in which case, if you take an integer, you would loose the advantage of optimization. My 2 BEF. Regards, Marc