SQL Server Text type vs. varchar data type
sql-server, sqldatatypes, text, varchar
Solution
If you're using SQL Server 2005 or later, use `varchar(MAX)`. The `text` datatype is deprecated and should not be used for new development work. From the docs:
Important
`ntext` , `text`, and `image` data types will be removed in a future version of Microsoft SQL Server. Avoid using these data types in new development work, and plan to modify applications that currently use them. Use nvarchar(max), varchar(max), and varbinary(max) instead.
Problem
I have variable length character data and want to store in SQL Server (2005) database. I want to learn some best practices about how to choose TEXT SQL type or choose VARCHAR SQL type, pros and cons in performance/footprint/function.