What Does Variable Character Field (Varchar) Mean?
A variable character field (varchar) is a data type which can contain any type of data: numeric, characters, spaces or punctuation. Depending on the database, the data type is capable of storing values up to its maximum size. Variable character fields are mostly used to act as temporary variables and for string operations. They bring in much-needed versatility for data field types.
Techopedia Explains Variable Character Field (Varchar)
A variable character field can be defined either in the programming language or on the database level. A variable character field always has a declared maximum length and is usually initialized with the current length equal to zero. The current length of the variable character field can be anything from zero to the maximum declared field length. The method of declaring a variable character field differs according to the programming language used.