The syntax for CREATE TYPE (Distinct Form) is similar to that for the CREATE TYPE (Structured Form) statement.
The major distinguishing characteristics for distinct types are the following:
- The AS predefined_data_type clause.
For CREATE TYPE (Structured Form), the corresponding clause is AS attribute_name list with an optional INSTANTIABLE specification.
- The mandatory FINAL specification.
- The inability to create a user-defined constructor method signature for a distinct type.
Structured UDTs allow you to define constructor method signatures.