Data Types (char, varchar, nchar, nvarchar, ...)

Could someone please help me by explaining which one is best to use and when? For example, storing the word "Corona Del Mar" - which Data Type would be suggested?

Thanks.

I would suggest Varchar(#).

ntype data types support Unicode (non-standard characters). So unless you're expecting complex input (or different languages) char, varchar, and text are what you'll typically be using.

char = fixed length string. If you create a char(10) field and enter "test" the field will actually stored "test" PLUS 6 blank spaces (4 characters in test + 6 blank spaces = 10). So when you output your field, you'll actually get "test ".

varchar = variable length string. This is the bread and butter of most databases. If you create varchar(10) and enter "test", it will store test. The limitation to this field is that it can only store up to 8,000 characters.

text = unlimited text field. Downsides: Text fields are stored OUTSIDE the database record (only a pointer is stored inside the record) so retrieving text fields is slower then retrieving a varchar record. It's also not compatible with some database commands (group etc.)

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Chris Pebble:

I would suggest Varchar(#).

ntype data types support Unicode (non-standard characters). So unless you're expecting complex input (or different languages) char, varchar, and text are what you'll typically be using.

char = fixed length string. If you create a char(10) field and enter "test" the field will actually stored "test" PLUS 6 blank spaces (4 characters in test + 6 blank spaces = 10). So when you output your field, you'll actually get "test ".

varchar = variable length string. This is the bread and butter of most databases. If you create varchar(10) and enter "test", it will store test. The limitation to this field is that it can only store up to 8,000 characters.

text = unlimited text field. Downsides: Text fields are stored OUTSIDE the database record (only a pointer is stored inside the record) so retrieving text fields is slower then retrieving a varchar record. It's also not compatible with some database commands (group etc.)

Thank you, that was a very good explaination.

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I have a list box that has a few different values "information a, information b, information c" and when any or all are chosen they are stored in my database in one column. What data type would you suggest for this? Thanks.