variable-length field
nounUK /ˈveəriəbl leŋθ fiːld/
US /ˈveriəbl leŋθ fiːld/
A variable-length field is a spot in a computer record that can hold different amounts of information.
The name variable-length field lets you store short names like 'Bo' or long names like 'Alexandria'.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A data slot whose size changes depending on what is stored in it.
The comment variable-length field grew to fit the whole paragraph.
3. A form entry that accepts any number of characters up to a limit.
Use the variable-length field for the address so long streets fit.
4. A programming structure that stores text of different sizes without wasting space.
The program uses a variable-length field to save memory on short entries.