SQL: char() And varchar()

Sayantani DeySayantani Dey
2 min read

They are more like twins at a comedy show. You know why? Because char always delivers a punchline with a fixed-length setup, while varchar is more flexible and adjusts its jokes on-the-fly, making them the dynamic duo of the database comedy circuit!

Haha, now let's learn more about it.

In database management systems, char and varchar are both data types used to store character strings. However, they have their differences to use.

Char is used to store character with fixed length whereas varchar stores data with variable length. If you have a fixed-length requirement or need performance benefits for fixed-length data, char might be suitable. If space efficiency and variable-length data are priorities, varchar is often preferred.

Examples light the path through the maze of information, revealing clarity in simplicity.

Consider, you have a char(10) column and a varchar(10) column, and you store the word 'SQL' in both columns. The char column will use the full allocated space and store 'SQL ', while the varchar column will only use the space needed and store 'SQL'.

In conclusion, the dynamic duo of the database comedy circuit, CHAR and VARCHAR, each bring their own flair to the stage.So, whether you prefer the structured humor of CHAR or the more flexible comedy style of VARCHAR, both characters play a crucial role in the entertaining world of database management systems. Together, they form a comedic partnership that keeps the audience engaged and the data well-managed.

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Written by

Sayantani Dey
Sayantani Dey

I am an undergraduate pursuing my bachelors in Computer Science and Engineering. I love to write and enhance web development skills. Web development seems very interesting to me as it is not just coding but also creativity, so I'm gaining knowledge and practising to develop my skills with HTML and CSS.