> > So then is the real purpose of using varchars, to save disk space? ( I > > realize this is probably a general database question, just > trying to learn). > > + your datafile will be smaller which saves disk IO. In the end, the extra > cost of the less efficient index as less than the gain from the faster > access. So in the end you win speed.
huh? With a variable record length, there's a lot of searching to get the position of the individual record. With a set size, the file handler knows exactly where record n is stored in the file. This has nothing to do with file size -- disks are random access devices. > But, it is all explaind in the manual :) Exactly where in the manual did you find that piece of information? / Carsten -- Carsten H. Pedersen keeper and maintainer of the bitbybit.dk MySQL FAQ http://www.bitbybit.dk/mysqlfaq --------------------------------------------------------------------- Before posting, please check: http://www.mysql.com/manual.php (the manual) http://lists.mysql.com/ (the list archive) To request this thread, e-mail <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, e-mail <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Trouble unsubscribing? Try: http://lists.mysql.com/php/unsubscribe.php
