Does MySQL DECIMAL datatype force decimal points for integers?

Question

Bit of an unusual question, but I have setup a field inside a MySQL table that is of the datatype "DECIMAL(5,2)". As far as I understand this, what I have done is to only allow numbers from -999.99 up to 999.99 to be inserted into this field.

However, when I insert an integer to the value of 26 (which is valid) I am shown this inside the database as 26 not 26.00 - is this normal MySQL behaviour? I (perhaps naively) thought that because I have set the scale to 2, my numbers would always be shown with 2 decimal places?

My question is - do integers inside MySQL "DECIMAL" datatypes always display without any decimals places? Or is this my database manager tool formatting 26.00 to 26 for me?

This may seem like a bit of a weird question but I am still trying to get my head around MySQL DECIMALs. Thanks.

Answer 1

I have found the answer out, it seems my MySQL database manager is helpfully (or not so helpfully) hiding the decimals from me. For anyone who finds this vaguely useful I am using EMS SQL Manager 2010 on Windows 7. Credit due to Cylindric who prompted me to check my tools!

In answer to my original question - yes, even integers inside a "DECIMAL" datatype will display the decimal places. For example:

DECIMAL(3,1)

42 = 42.0
531.2 = 99.9
5 = 5.0

Hope this helps someone somewhere!