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Posting Yak Master
197 Posts |
 Posted - 2003-04-14 : 14:00:20
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| I've always wondered what the difference between varchar and nvarchar types are and which one is better and why? I've read the definition for each type in the SQL Help section but I'm not sure I understood which type is used for what and when. Thanks. |
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tkizer
Almighty SQL Goddess
38200 Posts |
Posted - 2003-04-14 : 14:16:08
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| From BOL:"Sites supporting multiple languages should consider using the Unicode nchar or nvarchar data types to minimize character conversion issues."nvarchar can be used instead of varchar, but it should definitely be used when you are supporting multiple languages and character conversions.HTH,Tara |
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X002548
Not Just a Number
15586 Posts |
Posted - 2003-04-14 : 14:19:22
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| ....or should be avoided if you are not doing international language translations, since it will double the size of your database.Brett8-) |
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tkizer
Almighty SQL Goddess
38200 Posts |
Posted - 2003-04-14 : 14:24:36
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quote:
....or should be avoided if you are not doing international language translations, since it will double the size of your database.
Yes, that's why I said CAN BE USED, but I should have been clearer. Thanks for pointing it out since it is important to know if you want to understand the differences between the two.Tara |
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Posting Yak Master
197 Posts |
Posted - 2003-04-14 : 16:12:16
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| Ok, so then if I'm not having to worry about converting my data to a different langauge at some point, I should use Varchar then? That's currently what I'm using but I want to make sure what I'm doing is the best way to do it. |
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tkizer
Almighty SQL Goddess
38200 Posts |
Posted - 2003-04-14 : 16:13:08
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| Yes, use varchar.Tara |
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X002548
Not Just a Number
15586 Posts |
Posted - 2003-04-14 : 16:18:07
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| ....and, even if you had to convert. You could. Easily.DECLARE @x varchar(255)SELECT CONVERT(nvarchar(255),@x)Brett8-) |
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Posting Yak Master
197 Posts |
Posted - 2003-04-14 : 17:15:44
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| Cool. Thanks guys. |
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Varchar vs. NVarchar