how to get the maximum character in a dbf 1

[chot07]

how can i get the maximum characters in a database stucture? we are working on a library system. the field name 'title' has 254 characters which is the maximum. we would like to reduce the character and get the maximum characters in the title field in the existing database. help me please.

 

[rob444]

Reduce the title field to max 80 characters if you want to be able to search on the title.
Create a memo field fulltitle where you can write entire stories about the title.

Rob.

 

[TheRambler]

SELECT MAX(LEN(title)) FROM books

 

[tesar]

mlv1055,
i agree, only small addition:
SELECT MAX(LEN(alltrim(title))) FROM books
Tesar

 

[TheRambler]

Yes, you are right. Thanks Tesar.

Maybe a more complete answer would be:

SELECT LEN(alltrim(title)), COUNT(*) FROM books GROUP BY 1