title: Is there any difference between integer and bit(n) data types for a bitmask?
body: <p>I am working with a table in a PostgreSQL database that has several boolean columns that determine some state (e.g. <code>published</code>, <code>visible</code>, etc.). I want to make a single status column that will store all these values as well as possible new ones in a form of a bitmask. Is there any difference between <code>integer</code> and <code>bit(n)</code> in this case?</p>
  
  <p>This is going to be a rather big table, because it stores objects that users create via a web-interface. So I think I will have to use (partial) indexes for this column.</p>