Variable-Length Database Fields Better Use Disk Space
September 24, 2008 Jon Paris
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In a recent tip, I discussed the use of variable length fields in building strings within RPG programs. This time, I will focus on how these fields can be utilized in our databases and consider the trade-offs, between disk space and performance, involved. Why would you want to use a variable length field? Well, how about product descriptions as one example, or notes fields associated with an order? The marketing department would probably like to have an unlimited number of characters to play with, but they may accept a limit of say 1,000 as more realistic. The problem, of course, |
