Controls how the SAP Sybase IQ and SQL Anywhere ODBC driver describes CHAR columns.
Option can be set at the database (PUBLIC) or user level. When set at the database level, the value becomes the default for any new user, but has no impact on existing users. When set at the user level, overrides the PUBLIC value for that user only. No system privilege is required to set option for self. System privilege is required to set at database level or at user level for any user other than self.
Requires the SET ANY PUBLIC OPTION system privilege to set this option. Can be set temporary for an individual connection or for the PUBLIC role. Takes effect immediately.
When a connection is opened, the SAP Sybase IQ and SQL Anywhere ODBC driver uses the setting of this option to determine how CHAR columns are described. If ODBC_DISTINGUISH_CHAR_AND_VARCHAR is set to OFF (the default), then CHAR columns are described as SQL_VARCHAR. If this option is set to ON, then CHAR columns are described as SQL_CHAR. VARCHAR columns are always described as SQL_VARCHAR.