Why are data types important in a database? Briefly explain 3 common data types (e.g., Text, Number, Date).

Data types are crucial in a database for several reasons:

1. Data Integrity: They ensure that the data entered into the database columns aligns with the expected type of data. For example, you wouldn't want a date in a column expected to contain text.

2. Efficiency: Data types help optimize the performance of a database. They allow the database management system (DBMS) to use the most efficient way to store and retrieve data.

3. Data Consistency: They help maintain consistency, as data types restrict the type of data that can go into a table. This ensures that all data in a column is of the same type.

Here are three common data types:

1. Text: This data type is used to store alphanumeric characters, and it's typically used for storing names, addresses, descriptions, etc. The length of the text can vary depending on the database system.

2. Number: This data type is used to store numeric values. It can be further classified into integer (for whole numbers), float (for numbers with decimal points), and others depending on the DBMS.

3. Date: This data type is used to store dates, time, or both. The format of the date can vary, but it typically includes the year, month, and day. Some DBMS also allow for the inclusion of time down to fractions of a second.