What is the difference between VARCHAR and CHAR datatypes in DB2?

In DB2, VARCHAR and CHAR are both data types used to store character strings, but they have some key differences:

1. VARCHAR:

1. VARCHAR stands for Variable Character Length.

2. VARCHAR columns can store variable-length character strings with a maximum length specified during column definition.

3. VARCHAR only occupies the actual storage space needed for the data being stored, so it is more space-efficient for shorter strings.

4. The maximum length of a VARCHAR column can range from 1 to 32,672 bytes.

2. CHAR:

1. CHAR stands for Character.

2. CHAR columns store fixed-length character strings where the length is specified during column definition.

3. CHAR always pads the stored string with spaces to the defined length, resulting in fixed storage space usage regardless of the actual data length.

4. The length of a CHAR column is fixed and ranges from 1 to 254 bytes.

When to Use VARCHAR vs CHAR:

- Use VARCHAR when storing variable-length strings or when space efficiency is important.

- Use CHAR when storing fixed-length strings or when you need consistent storage space allocation for each record.

It's important to consider the nature of your data and storage needs when choosing between VARCHAR and CHAR in DB2.