CHAR and VARCHAR

Learn fixed and variable length text types.

CHAR(n) is fixed-length, VARCHAR(n) is variable-length text. CHAR always stores n characters; VARCHAR uses only what is needed.

CREATE TABLE customers (
  code CHAR(3),
  name VARCHAR(100)
);

Code is always 3 characters; name is at most 100 characters but uses only what is needed.

The table customers is created.

CHAR and VARCHAR — details

CHAR pads with spaces; VARCHAR keeps a length prefix. Use CHAR for short fixed codes and VARCHAR for variable text.

Add a name VARCHAR(100) column to customers.

Show example solution

CREATE TABLE customers (
  name VARCHAR(100)
)

Variable text

CREATE TABLE t (name ____(100));

Show answer

CREATE TABLE t (name VARCHAR(100));