Q: Two different kinds of strings with the same name – String – does make a bit of confusion. Perhaps the oldstyle strings could be renamed short string ?
A: When we implement the short strings, we'll have to do such a distinction. Our current planning goes like this:
String (n): string schema (EP compatible)
String [n]: short string (UCSD/BP compatible, where n must be <= 255)
String: dependent on flags, by default undiscriminated schema, but in BP mode (or with a special switch) short string of capacity 255 (UCSD/BP compatible).
Q: So when will these short strings be available?
A: It's been planned for over a year. The delay has been caused by more pressing problems.