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SQL Server 2008 Inline variable initialization and Compound assignment

By: Chad Boyd | Read Comments | Print Chad is an Architect, Administrator and Developer with technologies such as SQL Server, .NET, and Windows Server. Related Tips: More

In Sql 2008 (Katmai), a couple of the 'smaller' features that are currently in the latest CTP include inline variable initialization and compound assignment (something you App Dev folks have had for years). So, the following types of code now work in Sql 2008:

  declare @d datetime = getdate(),
    @i int = 1,
    @s varchar(100) = 'test';
 
  -- Show the values...
  select @d, @i, @s
 
  -- Increment i, append to s...
  select @i += 1, @s += 'ing';
 
  -- Show the new values...
  select @i, @s;

These operators also work inline with DML statements and columns...for example, a simple UPDATE statement in a table called 'testTable' with a column called 'testColumn' where you wanted to increment the value of testColumn by 1 could be:

  update testTable set testColumn += 1;
 
Also would work with other columns...if another column called testColumn2 existed:

  update testTable set testColumn += testColumn2;
 

I'll be posting other tidbits in Sql 2008 ongoing...enjoy!

Chad Boyd ~~~ This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights. Use of any included script samples are subject to the terms specified at http://www.mssqltips.com/disclaimer.asp and http://www.mssqltips.com/copyright.asp.

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Last Update: 10/15/2007

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