Pronunciation of 'VARCHAR' in SQL: A Deep Dive

As a native English speaker and software developer, the way I pronounce the SQL datatype VARCHAR is not always in line with the standard or expected pronunciation. This article aims to explore the different ways individuals pronounce this abbreviation, how it originated, and why the disparities exist.

Origins and Pronunciation Disparities

VARCHAR is an abbreviation for variable length character string. It is often encountered in the programming context where it represents a data type that stores variable-length character strings. Despite its technical nature, the pronunciation of VARCHAR has a few interesting quirks.

Some people pronounce VARCHAR as if it were pronounced like the word char, similar to how one might char a piece of meat ("He likes to char his meat because he asserts that charring improves the flavor"). Others, as a native English speaker, pronounce it as if it were pronounced like the beginning of the word car ("I drive a car").

Why 'CHAR' and Not 'CAR'?

One crucial factor affecting the pronunciation is the similarity of VARCHAR to the word char. Given that char is an existing English word meaning a mark or a symbol, it is natural to read VARCHAR as if it were char. Additionally, rhyming the two words adds a subtle mnemonic value, making the pronunciation easier to remember for many individuals.

Usage and Context

The way VARCHAR is pronounced provides insight into its usage and context. In a programming environment, where precision and detail are paramount, a more technical pronunciation like care is typical. Brian Kernighan, renowned for his contributions to C programming, famously read VARCHAR as care (the first syllable of character). His authoritative stance on the language and his influential books on C lend weight to this pronunciation being the standard.

Common Pronunciations

Char - As in char-broiled or charred. Care - As in I care about you. Car - As in I drive a car.

Each pronunciation has its own logic and context, leading to the observed variations in how native English speakers may pronounce VARCHAR.

Standard vs. Custom Pronunciation

It is essential to note that while the technical pronunciation as care is a standard in programming and database contexts, individual variations like char are also common. The choice of pronunciation often depends on the speaker's background and familiarity with the context. In informal settings or within smaller communities, the non-standard pronunciations like char are perfectly acceptable and even seen as a natural part of language evolution.

Conclusion

While there is no one right way to pronounce VARCHAR, understanding the historical context and the various pronunciations helps clarify the nuances of this SQL datatype. Whether you pronounce it as char, care, or even car, it is important to recognize that these variations reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of language in the tech community.