Difference between char varchar and nvarchar in sql server

Introduction:

In this article I will explain what is the difference between char, varchar and nvarchar in SQL Server.

Description:

In previous post I explained many articles relating to SQL Server. Now I will explain the differences between char, varchar and nvarchar in SQL Server. Actually one of blog reader has asked me question regarding differences between varchar and nvarchar at that time I decided it’s better to write article on this topic.

Char DataType

Char datatype which is used to store fixed length of characters. Suppose if we declared char(50) it will allocates memory for 50 characters. Once we declare char(50) and insert only 10 characters of word then only 10 characters of memory will be used and other 40 characters of memory will be wasted.

varchar DataType

Varchar means variable characters and it is used to store non-unicode characters. It will allocate the memory based on number characters inserted. Suppose if we declared varchar(50) it will allocates memory of 0 characters at the time of declaration. Once we declare varchar(50) and insert only 10 characters of word it will allocate memory for only 10 characters.