title: Varchar(10) or int for Status Column in SQL
body: <p>When creating a table which column type is better from a searching / speed standpoint?</p>
  
  <p>For certain tables I run across a need for a column called <code>Status</code>. I typically store this an <code>int32</code> in the database and then use a class to reference it in my code:</p>
  
  <pre><code> public static int Published = 1;
   public static int Draft = 0;
   public static int Deleted = -1;
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Is there much of a speed difference in using this column as a <code>varchar</code> instead?</p>
  
  <pre><code> public static string Published = "Published";
   public static string Draft = "Draft";
   public static string Deleted = "Deleted";
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I like the second <code>varchar</code> method better because it helps with readability in the database and then I don't have to constantly convert the int status code to a string for human use.</p>
  
  <p>Any help would be appreciated</p>