IsVariableLength Property

SQL-DMO

SQL-DMO

IsVariableLength Property

The IsVariableLength property specifies data length representation handling for a data type.

Applies To
SystemDatatype Object UserDefinedDatatype Object
Syntax

object.IsVariableLength

Parts

object

Expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list

Data Type

Boolean

Modifiable

Read-only

Prototype (C/C++)

HRESULT GetIsVariableLength(LPBOOL pRetVal);

Remarks

When TRUE, the data type represents strings that vary in length, such as those defined as varchar(4).

When FALSE, the data type does not represent strings that vary in length, such as those defined as char(4).

Variability in string representation is easily visible in client software. For example, the string AK retrieved from a column defined as varchar(4) is returned to a client as two characters. When retrieved from a column defined as char(4), the string is padded using a space character so that four characters are returned.