Quick Answer
The answer is the integer data type, because it is specifically designed to store whole numbers without any fractional or decimal components. By definition, an integer column rejects values like 3.14 or 'abc', enforcing that only non-decimal, whole numbers are accepted, which directly meets the requirement for data integrity. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this concept tests your understanding of fundamental data types and their constraints—a common trap is confusing integer with float or decimal, which allow fractional parts. A helpful memory tip is to think of the word "integer" as meaning "intact" or "whole," just like a whole number.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of it concepts and terminology. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A database administrator wants to enforce that a column only accepts whole numbers. Which data type should be used?
Integer
Integer stores whole numbers without decimals.
String
Why wrong: String stores text, not whole numbers.
Boolean
Why wrong: Boolean stores true/false values, not numbers.
Float
Why wrong: Float stores numbers with decimal points, not just whole numbers.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Integer
The INTEGER data type is specifically designed to store whole numbers without fractional components. In database systems, enforcing a column to accept only whole numbers requires a data type that disallows decimal points, which INTEGER does by definition. Using INTEGER ensures data integrity by rejecting any non-integer input, such as 3.14 or 'abc'.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Integer
Why this is correct
Integer stores whole numbers without decimals.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
String
Why it's wrong here
String stores text, not whole numbers.
Boolean
Why it's wrong here
Boolean stores true/false values, not numbers.
Float
Why it's wrong here
Float stores numbers with decimal points, not just whole numbers.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse FLOAT with INTEGER, assuming FLOAT can store whole numbers, but FLOAT always permits decimal places, which violates the 'whole numbers only' constraint.
Detailed technical explanation
In SQL databases, INTEGER is a fixed-length data type (typically 4 bytes) that stores values from -2^31 to 2^31-1. Unlike DECIMAL or NUMERIC types, INTEGER does not allow scale or precision specification, inherently rejecting fractional inputs. A real-world scenario is a 'quantity' column in an inventory table, where fractional quantities (e.g., 2.5 items) would be invalid, making INTEGER the correct choice.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
IT Concepts and Terminology — This question tests IT Concepts and Terminology — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Integer — The INTEGER data type is specifically designed to store whole numbers without fractional components. In database systems, enforcing a column to accept only whole numbers requires a data type that disallows decimal points, which INTEGER does by definition. Using INTEGER ensures data integrity by rejecting any non-integer input, such as 3.14 or 'abc'.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This FC0-U61 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U61 exam.
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