String Data Type in MySQL

In MySQL, string data types are used to store character data, such as letters, numbers, and symbols. These data types are used for columns that will store textual information like names, addresses, descriptions, etc. Among the most commonly used string data types are CHAR, VARCHAR, TEXT, and BLOB.

Example

CREATE TABLE Employee (
Name CHAR(20)
);

INSERT INTO Employee (Name) VALUES ('John');

Output:

Query output

In the above, column Name is a string data type.

Example

CREATE TABLE Customer (
Email VARCHAR(50)
);

INSERT INTO Customer (Email) VALUES ('example@email.com');

Output:

Query output

Here, column Email is also string datatype.

string datatypes in MySQL

Difference Between CHAR vs VARCHAR in MySQL

MySQL is a widely used relational database management system (RDBMS) that provides a robust and scalable platform for managing and organizing data. MySQL is an open-source software developed by Oracle Corporation, that provides features for creating, modifying, and querying databases. It utilizes Structured Query Language (SQL) to interact with databases, making it a popular choice for web applications and various software systems. MySQL’s versatility, reliability, and ease of use make it a preferred solution for developers and organizations seeking efficient data management capabilities.

In this article, you will learn about, what is the difference between char and varchar in MySQL.

Similar Reads

String Data Type in MySQL

In MySQL, string data types are used to store character data, such as letters, numbers, and symbols. These data types are used for columns that will store textual information like names, addresses, descriptions, etc. Among the most commonly used string data types are CHAR, VARCHAR, TEXT, and BLOB....

CHAR datatype in MySQL

In MySQL, the CHAR data type is used to store fixed-length character strings. When you define a column with the CHAR data type, you specify a fixed length for the data that will be stored in that column....

VARCHAR in MySQL

In MySQL, the VARCHAR data type is used to store variable-length character strings. The VARCHAR data type specify a maximum length for the data that can be stored in that column....

CHAR vs VARCHAR in MySQL

Features CHAR VARCHAR Definition Fixed-length character string Variable-length character string Storage Fixed length, padded with spaces if needed Variable length, no padding Storage Efficiency Less efficient for variable-length data More efficient for variable-length data Maximum Length Must be specified Must be specified Usage Suitable for fixed-length data Suitable for variable-length data Example CHAR(10) VARCHAR(255) Example Usage Social security numbers, postal codes Names, email addresses, descriptions...

Conclusion

The purpose of CHAR in MySQL is different from VARCHAR. The purpose of CHAR is to store data in a fixed-length format for consistency. The purpose of VARCHAR in MySQL is to store content in a variable-length format for data consistency....