> In the test, I use char(255) fields filled with 80 characters, and
> so if there is no padding, the communication contains 70% less
> information, but even with this difference, performance is better
> is field is padded by the driver.
>
> This seems to be another problem with the character conversion
> stuff in the server.

Hmmm... Ok, let's keep padding :) Can you post this to firebird-devel
group?

Thanks!
Roman