QlikView Data Types – The Foundation of Accurate Data Modeling

In QlikView, data types refer to the type of value that a field or column can hold. The data type of a field determines how it is treated in calculations, expressions, and visualizations.

QlikView supports the following data types:

1. Numeric: Numeric data types include integer, decimal, and floating-point values. They are used to store numerical data and can be used in calculations.
2. Text: Text data types include string values. They are used to store alphanumeric data and can be used in expressions and labels.
3. Date: Date data types include date and time values. They are used to store date and time information and can be used in expressions and visualizations.
4. Boolean: Boolean data types include true/false values. They are used to store logical data and can be used in expressions and filters.
5. Null: Null data types represent missing or unknown values. They can be used in expressions to handle null values appropriately.

It is important to specify the correct data type for fields in a QlikView application to ensure that the data is treated correctly in calculations, expressions, and visualizations.

Some of the key features of QlikView data types include:

• Automatic data type detection: QlikView can automatically detect the data type of a field based on the values it contains, eliminating the need for manual data type specification.
• Variety of data types: QlikView supports a wide range of data types, including numeric, text, date, time, and Boolean.
• Data type conversions: Users can change the data type of a field, for as turning a date field to a text field.
• Data validation: Data types can be used to validate data, such as ensuring that a field contains only numeric values.
• Data sorting: Data types can be used to sort data, such as sorting a date field in chronological order.
• Data calculations: Data types can affect the calculations that can be performed on a field, such as performing mathematical calculations on a numeric field.
• Data representation: Data types can affect the way data is represented, such as formatting a date field to display in a specific format.

Overall, the QlikView data type feature is an important tool for classifying and categorizing data based on their characteristics and properties. It allows QlikView to understand the nature of the data and to properly handle the data during calculations and operations. It also helps in data validation and sorting and affects the way data is represented.