I need to store text in a SQL Server column without knowing how long the string might be ahead of time. Most of the time, the text will be around 100 to 500 characters, but there can be occasions when it stretches to 10,000 characters. I have no control over this as users decide the input length. Beyond using varchar(max), what other approaches have you tried? What issues have you seen when using varchar(max)?
In my experience, one viable alternative to using varchar(max) involves leveraging SQL Server’s FILESTREAM feature. This method lets you store large text files externally while maintaining a reference in your database. The approach minimizes the burden on the primary table and improves performance, particularly when most entries are within a manageable size. Another method I have utilized is splitting longer strings across several rows, ensuring that smaller segments are stored in typical columns and reassembled when needed. Both methods require careful planning regarding transactional consistency and maintenance.