Will my sqlite database occupy less space if I insert nulls instead of zeros

Question

I have a table where most of the values inserted in one of the columns are 0. Should the database be smaller if I insert nulls instead of zeros?

Why don't you try it out and see for yourself? – Mat Jan 27 '15 at 08:28 — Mat, Jan 27 '15 at 08:28

score 5 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 28 '15 at 09:53

5

In the SQLite record format, both NULL and the integer 0 need only a type code and no storage for the actual value itself.

In any case, you should use whatever value works best with your queries, and optimize only when needed.

answered Jan 28 '15 at 09:53

CL.

+1 for storing what's logically best for your queries. If you really have many columns that are often null or zero, maybe you need a different data model? – Colin 't Hart Jan 28 '15 at 10:05

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