Which field type is required for string calculations such as trim?

The requirement for string calculations, such as trim functions that remove whitespace from the beginning and end of a string, is that the data must be in a string format. String fields are specifically defined to hold alphanumeric characters, which allows for various string operations to be performed conveniently.

In the context of data processing and transformation, string functions manipulate text data. The use of a string field is essential for functions designed to handle and manipulate text because these functions are not applicable to numeric values, date/time formats, or Boolean logic. Therefore, selecting a string field ensures that operations like trimming whitespace or concatenating text can be executed correctly and effectively.