No, I am not saying fixed length chars is better optimized. This is a column-by-column decision for the database designer.
Naturally the decision is specific to a database platform. I only have used the VFP 9 Varchar when working with cursors created with remote data. There is no benefit to using Varchar in a DBF from a space perspective since VFP is all fixed length fields. The advantages are from a behavioral aspect in a DBF and perfect when working with Varchar data on the backend (eliminates the trailing spaces in the fields when storing data in the backend). SQL backend data is a completely different world. Varchar is a very good thing when used for columns that vary drastically, or have data occasionally needing more space than common for the column. If I have data like postal code I know is always 5 or 6 characters I would make this Char. If I have a comment field where the user normally puts in 50 or so characters, but occasionally might get verbose with 100, then I might make the column Varchar(125) just to leave the user with some extra room for growth. Varchar(1) makes no sense to me, but there may be something I have missed or overlooked in my database 101 class. Rick White Light Computing, Inc. www.whitelightcomputing.com www.rickschummer.com 586.254.2530 - office 586.254.2539 - fax -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of MB Software Solutions Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 12:28 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [NF] Varchar(1) ??? Rick Schummer wrote: >Heh, I didn't say I designed it. I cannot take any credit for anything >= you are seeing with varchar involved. <g> > > but varchar is a *good* thing, isn't it? Oh wait...are you saying it's better optimized as fixed length chars? Do elaborate. -- Michael J. Babcock, MCP MB Software Solutions, LLC http://mbsoftwaresolutions.com http://fabmate.com "Work smarter, not harder, with MBSS custom software solutions!" [excessive quoting removed by server] _______________________________________________ Post Messages to: ProFox@leafe.com Subscription Maintenance: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profox OT-free version of this list: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profoxtech ** All postings, unless explicitly stated otherwise, are the opinions of the author, and do not constitute legal or medical advice. This statement is added to the messages for those lawyers who are too stupid to see the obvious.
