char database types blanks and nulls

Rob, In article <1992Oct12.225029.2143@advtech.uswest.com> Rob Yslas posted the following code: >$string column1[20]; >$declare test_curs cursor for >select distinct column1 >into $column1 >from test_table >where column1 is not null;>$open test_curs; >$fetch test_curs; He then stated that using the string datatype, trailing spaces would be truncated (interesting, I didn't know that but I don't have the Esql/C manuals). Your cursor will certainly not return fields that have actually been written with the NULL value. However, imagine a field that has been written to the table SPACE filled. It will be returned by the cursor. The action of the string data type (by Rob's definition) leaves it clipped. Informix has no option, therefore, but to leave the variable with a NULL value. Hope this helps Regards Neil Neil S. Briscoe Telephone: +44 252 376737 System Administrator Fax: +44 252 376644 Email: neil@salmon.demon.co.uk nbriscoe@cix.compulink.co.uk Bartec Medical Systems Ltd. Impression House Invincible Road "!##@!** Listen who swears Farnborough Christopher Robin has fallen downstairs" Hants GU14 7NP -- The Goodies Book of Criminal Records England "A man is incomplete until he's married -- then he's finished!" -- seen on a desktop calendar