RE: char vs. varchar2

From: yong huang <yong321_at_yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 31 Aug 2001 16:21:38 -0700
Message-ID: <F001.0037FF78.20010831154552@fatcity.com>

I want to add that even if you update a field to a *smaller* size, initial data in the varchar2 column has to move to the empty space beyond the end of row data inside the block, leaving a hole in its original place, just as if it were updated to a longer string. Char data does not have this problem.

This test is done with block dumps on 8.1.7 on NT.

Yong Huang
yong321_at_yahoo.com

Miller, Jay wrote:

Actually char has some minor performance advantages over varchar2 when the column is frequently updated to a larger size since the full space is already claimed within the block.

---

Do You Yahoo!?
Get email alerts & NEW webcam video instant messaging with Yahoo! Messenger http://im.yahoo.com
--

Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.com
--

Author: yong huang
  INET: yong321_at_yahoo.com

Fat City Network Services    -- (858) 538-5051  FAX: (858) 538-5051
San Diego, California        -- Public Internet access / Mailing Lists
--------------------------------------------------------------------

To REMOVE yourself from this mailing list, send an E-Mail message to: ListGuru_at_fatcity.com (note EXACT spelling of 'ListGuru') and in the message BODY, include a line containing: UNSUB ORACLE-L (or the name of mailing list you want to be removed from). You may also send the HELP command for other information (like subscribing). Received on Fri Aug 31 2001 - 18:21:38 CDT