What Is Dt_wstr Data Type?

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Heather Bennett

The Dt_wstr data type is a crucial component in the world of data integration and transformation. In this article, we will explore what the Dt_wstr data type is, how it is used, and why it is important.

Understanding the Dt_wstr Data Type

The Dt_wstr data type stands for “data type wide string.” It is primarily used in SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) to handle Unicode string values. Unicode strings are capable of storing characters from various languages, making them essential for internationalization and multilingual applications.

Usage of Dt_wstr Data Type

The Dt_wstr data type is commonly used when working with text data that requires Unicode support. It allows for the storage of characters beyond the ASCII range, accommodating languages such as Chinese, Arabic, and Russian.

To define a variable or column as a Dt_wstr data type in SSIS, you need to specify its length. The length represents the maximum number of characters that can be stored in the variable or column.

Here’s an example of defining a variable as a Dt_wstr data type with a length of 50:


<Variable DataType="String" Length="50" />

Key Features and Benefits

The Dt_wstr data type offers several key features and benefits:

  • Unicode Support: As mentioned earlier, Dt_wstr enables the storage and manipulation of Unicode characters, ensuring compatibility with various languages.
  • Data Integrity: By using Dt_wstr for Unicode data, you can maintain data integrity throughout the entire integration and transformation process.
  • Flexibility: The length attribute of the Dt_wstr data type allows you to define the maximum number of characters, providing flexibility based on your specific requirements.
  • Data Transformation: With Dt_wstr, you can easily convert non-Unicode string data to Unicode and vice versa, enabling seamless data transformation.

Considerations and Best Practices

When working with the Dt_wstr data type, it’s important to keep a few considerations and best practices in mind:

  • Data Length: Carefully define the length of your Dt_wstr variables or columns based on the expected maximum length of your Unicode strings. Overestimating the length may result in unnecessary memory consumption.
  • Data Conversion: When converting non-Unicode string data to Unicode using Dt_wstr, be cautious about potential loss of information due to character encoding differences.
  • Data Storage: Since Unicode characters require more storage space than ASCII characters, consider the impact on storage requirements when working with large volumes of text data.

In Summary

The Dt_wstr data type is an essential component in SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) for handling Unicode string values. It provides support for multilingual applications and ensures data integrity throughout the integration and transformation process.

By understanding its usage, key features, and best practices, you can leverage the Dt_wstr data type effectively in your data integration workflows.

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