Difference between CHAR vs VARCHAR

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Anubhav Sharma · Answer

CHAR Fixed-length data typeAlways uses the full defined size (pads with spaces)Faster for consistent-length data Example: Stores exactly 10 characters 'ABC' → stored as 'ABC ' VARCHAR Variable-length data typeUses only required storageMore efficient for varying-length data Example: Stores up to 10 characters 'ABC' → stored as 'ABC' Key Differences Feature CHAR VARCHAR Length Fixed Variable Storage Always full size Actual data size Performance Slightly faster Slightly slower Space Usage Wastes space Efficient Use Case Fixed data (e.g., PIN) Dynamic text (e.g., Name) When to Use Use CHAR: Fixed-length values (e.g., country codes, flags) Use VARCHAR: Names, emails, addresses (varying length) Final Thought CHAR = Fixed & predictableVARCHAR = Flexible & space-efficient

Feature	CHAR	VARCHAR
Length	Fixed	Variable
Storage	Always full size	Actual data size
Performance	Slightly faster	Slightly slower
Space Usage	Wastes space	Efficient
Use Case	Fixed data (e.g., PIN)	Dynamic text (e.g., Name)

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Difference between CHAR vs VARCHAR

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CHAR

VARCHAR

Key Differences

When to Use

Final Thought