Re: [HACKERS] Datatype MONEY

On Mon, 13 Dec 1999, Jan Wieck wrote:

> Karel Zak - Zakkr wrote:
> >
> > IMHO is good use for money a float type.
> 
>     In  some  countries  (Germany  at least) storage of financial
>     booking information is not permitted to use floats.  And  you
>     aren't  allowed  to  use  it  for  calculation of taxes etc.,
>     instead you must use some datatype with a fixable  number  of
>     digits after the decimal point.
> 
>     Thus,  only  our NUMERIC/DECIMAL type or int4/8 and using the
>     'V' (IIRC) format specifier in to_char() should be used.
Hmm, interesting.. but it is not problem for to_char(), it is problem 
(how number datetype choise) for users.

To_char() formatting numbers by course of format-picture (second arg.) 
only - total all is user choise (how set format), and to_char() not check  
if country form allow to use fixet/notfixet digits after the decimal point 
(in locales is not information about it, or yes?).  

I take back my previous "IMHO". 

But if you use to_char(444.555, '999.99'), output is always with two digits
after the decimal point and our country form is pleased ... I agree, it is 
only output option, internaly is still problem if you will calculate with
float.  

Or is other idea for to_char() money formatting and how datetype must be
supported (I plan float4/8 int4/8 now)?

(note: 'V' format specifier is multiplier and return a value as 10^n).
                        Karel