The vsize() function in Oracle provides a means to measure the storage size of various non-character data types, including numbers, dates, LOBs, XMLType, collections, user-defined types, RAW data, BOOLEAN data, TIMESTAMP data, INTERVAL data, BFILE data, and object types.

In contrast, the length() function is restricted to character data types and necessitates an implicit conversion for non-character data types, potentially impacting performance. Moreover, length() is influenced by character sets, while vsize() remains independent of the character set.

By measuring the storage size of a column in bytes, vsize() facilitates understanding the internal storage requirements of data, thereby aiding in storage optimization and comprehension of space utilization for different data types in Oracle databases.

Consequently, the vsize() function offers greater versatility and accuracy in determining the storage size of diverse data types compared to the length() function.

This article aims to present a practical example illustrating the advantageous use of vsize() over length() in Oracle.

When to Use vsize vs length

When considering the decision between using the vsize function and the length function in Oracle, it is important to understand the specific circumstances in which each function is more appropriate.

The vsize function is particularly useful when measuring the storage size of non-character data types, such as dates, numbers, LOBs, XMLType, collections, user-defined types, RAW data, BOOLEAN data, TIMESTAMP data, INTERVAL data, BFILE data, and object types. This function does not require any implicit conversions and is not sensitive to character sets, making it a reliable choice for accurately measuring the storage size of various data types.

On the other hand, the length function is limited to character data types and requires an implicit conversion for non-character data types, which can impact performance.

Therefore, when dealing with non-character data types, the vsize function should be used instead of the length function to obtain accurate and efficient results.

In Oracle, the vsize function is particularly advantageous in measuring the storage size of various data types such as dates, numbers, LOBs, XMLType, collections, user-defined types, RAW data, BOOLEAN data, TIMESTAMP data, INTERVAL data, BFILE data, and object types.

The vsize function provides a more comprehensive and versatile solution for determining the storage size of different data types, without requiring any implicit conversions or being sensitive to character sets. This makes it a valuable tool for understanding the internal storage requirements of data and optimizing performance.

Additionally, the vsize function allows for accurate measurement of the storage size of non-character data types, which is not possible with the length function.

The vsize function proves advantageous for measuring the storage size of various data types that cannot be accurately measured using the length function. While the length function is limited to character data types and requires implicit conversions for non-character data types, vsize can be used with any data type. This makes it particularly useful for measuring the storage size of non-character data types such as numbers, dates, LOBs (CLOB, NCLOB, BLOB), XMLType, collections, user-defined types, RAW data, BOOLEAN data, TIMESTAMP data, INTERVAL data, BFILE data, and object types.

Additionally, vsize does not depend on the character set, eliminating the sensitivity that length has. By providing insights into the internal storage requirements of data, vsize enhances performance by avoiding the need for implicit conversions and enabling accurate measurement of data size.