NCHAR in SQL

Updated March 16, 2023

Introduction to NCHAR in SQL

Normally in SQL, we have different types of data types, NCHAR is one of the data types which is provided by SQL. Basically, N means string size and it is just between the values from 1 to 4000. On the other hand, the storage size will be two times n bytes. Basically, it is a function used to return the Unicode characters which depends on the number code.

Key Takeaways

• By using NCHAR we can get any Unicode of a given number.
• It works only for positive numbers.
• It also accepts decimal numbers, but it displays the result only before decimal numbers.
• Mainly it is used to return the characters only.
• The limitation of NCHAR is that it accepts the number from 65 onwards.

What is NCHAR in SQL Server?

NCHAR information type stores fixed-length character information. The information can be a line of single-byte or multisystem letters, digits, and different images that are upheld by the code set of the data set district. The principal distinction among Scorch and NCHAR information types is the grouping request. The resemblance request of the Roast information type follows the code-set request; however, the gathering request of the NCHAR information type can be a confined request, if our DB is local and determines a district that characterizes a restricted request for examination.

Size determinations of NCHAR information type announcements can be impacted by the SQL LOGICAL CHAR design boundary that is depicted in the part Consistent Person Semantics in Character Type Statements. In data sets that are made with the NLSCASE property, the procedure on NCHAR strings disregards letter case, requesting information values without regard to or inclination for letter case. For instance, the NCHAR string “EFG” could go before or follow “Efg” or “eFG” in the gathered rundown that a question returns, contingent upon the request in which these information strings are recovered, on the grounds that the accompanying NCHAR strings are all treated as duplicate values.

How NCHAR Function works in SQL Server?

In the above point, we already saw what NCHAR function for implementation is. We must know the syntax as given below.

Syntax:

NCHAR(Specified integer expression)

Explanation:

• In the above syntax, we need to pass the argument to the NCHAR function which we called the specified integer expression. Integer expression is nothing, but the positive integer number means when our database does not have the supplementary characters flag, then our DB stores the positive integer number 0 to 65535, and if the value is not present from this specified range, then it returns the null.
• One more important thing is that if our database supports the SC flag then the positive number range will be different like o to 1114111 and in the same way if a value is different from this specified range, then it returns the null.

Let’s see return types:

• nchar(1): It is used when the default database does not support the supplementary characters.
• nvarchar(2): It is used when the default database supports the supplementary characters.

If the integer parameter contains the range of 0 to 0xFFFF then it only returns the values, if we are trying to return the higher value then it returns the surrogate value created by using high value + low value. All things being equal utilize a data set examination that upholds beneficial characters and afterward determine the Unicode code point for the substituted pair. The accompanying model shows both the outdated technique for developing a substitute pair and the favored strategy for indicating the Unicode code point.

NCHAR Data Types in SQL Server

Let’s see the different data types of NCHAR as follows:

• Bigint data type: It stores the integer values from -9223372036854775807 to 9223372036854775807.
• Bigserial data type: It is used to store the sequential integer numbers and it is automatically assigned to the database server at the time of the insert command.
• Blob data type: It is used to store random kinds of data, or we can say binary data which is stored in spreadsheets.
• Boolean data type: It is used to store the data in True or False format.
• Byte data type: It is used to store any type of binary data which is the undifferentiated stream. Normally binary data is stored in different formats such as digitized, spreadsheets, load modules, etc.
• Char data type: It is used to store any string such as letters, numbers, and symbols and it has a single or multibyte.
• Character data type: It is used to store the synonym of the CHAR.
• Clob data type: It is used to store text data in random ways.
• Date: It is used to store the calendar date.
• Datetime: It fetches the system date and time.

SQL Server provides many other data types.

Examples of NCHAR in SQL

First, we need to create a database with the help of the below command. Let’s consider we have number code 65, and we need to convert it into Unicode then we can use the below statement.

Code:

select NCHAR(64) AS result;

Explanation:

• After execution, we get the Unicode of that specified number as shown in the below screenshot.

Output:

Now let’s consider any decimal number, suppose 70.75 as follows.

Code:

select NCHAR(70.75) AS result;

Explanation:

• After execution, we get the Unicode of that specified number as shown in the below screenshot.

Output:

Code:

select NCHAR(250/2) AS result;

Explanation:

After execution, we get the Unicode of that specified number as shown below screenshot.

Output:

In this way, we can use NCHAR with different values as per our requirements.

FAQ

Given below are the FAQs mentioned:

Q1. What is the meaning of NCHAR in SQL server?

Answer: Basically, it is used to store the Unicode data and the full form of NCHAR is the national character. The storing size starts with two bytes to 4000 chars.

Q2. What is the difference between NCHAR and VARCHAR?

Answer: The key difference is that NCHAR uses 2 bytes per character for storing the characters and on the other hand VARCHAR uses 8 bits per character to store data.

Q3. What is the difference between NCHAR and NVARCHAR?

Answer: We know NCHAR uses 2 bytes per character and has a fixed length, on the other hand, NVARCHAR is a variable length, and it also uses 2 bytes per character.

Conclusion

In this article, we have seen what nchar in SQL is, as well as saw some basic key ideas of nchar in SQL with examples. We also saw the uses and features of the nchar in SQL and how we can use them.

Recommended Articles

This is a guide to NCHAR in SQL. Here we discuss the introduction, and how NCHAR function works in SQL server. data types and examples. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –

1. What is SQL DROP DB?
2. SQL Schema
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4. SQL Wildcards