Why not use varchar(max)?

Question

I\'m a bit old school when it comes to database design, so I\'m totally for using the correct data sizes in columns. However, when reviewing a database for a friend, I notic

Answer 1

Redgate wrote a great article about this.
https://www.red-gate.com/simple-talk/sql/database-administration/whats-the-point-of-using-varcharn-anymore/

Conclusions

• Where appropriate, use VARCHAR(n) over VARCHAR(MAX) for reasons of good design if not performance benefits, and because VARCHAR(MAX) data does not compress
• Storing large strings takes longer than storing small strings.
• Updating an in-row VARCHAR(MAX) value from below 8,000 to over 8,000 will be relatively slow, but the difference for a single transaction will likely not be measurable.
• Updating an in-row VARCHAR(MAX) value from over 8,000 to below 8,000 will be faster than if the table is set to store data out-of-row.
• Using the out-of-row option for VARCHAR(MAX) will cause slower writes until the strings are very long.