If you’re getting an error that reads something like “Cannot DROP TABLE ‘dbo.t1’ because it is being referenced by object ‘v1’” in SQL Server, it looks like you’re trying to drop a table that’s referenced by a schema-bound object (such as a schema-bound view).
Continue readingUnderstanding the CONTINUE Keyword in SQL Server WHILE Loops
WHILE loops are a fundamental construct in T-SQL (and in programming in general) for executing repetitive tasks. Within these loops, the CONTINUE keyword serves as a powerful control flow tool, allowing developers to skip iterations and optimise loop execution.
This article explores the usage and benefits of the CONTINUE keyword in SQL Server WHILE loops.
Fix “Computed column … in table … is not allowed to be used in another computed-column definition” (Error 1759)
If you’re getting an error that reads something like “Computed column ‘c2’ in table ‘t1’ is not allowed to be used in another computed-column definition” in SQL Server, it appears that you’re trying to create a computed column that uses another computed column.
We can’t use other computed columns in our computed column definitions.
Continue readingIndexed Views in SQL Server: A Complete Guide
Indexed views can significantly enhance the performance of complex queries in SQL Server. However, they come with several prerequisites and considerations that need to be carefully understood before implementation.
In this article, I provide an overview of indexed views, discussing their utility, prerequisites, and best practices, along with performance considerations and a simple example.
Continue readingWhat Does Deterministic Mean in SQL?
In SQL, a deterministic expression or function always returns the same result when given the same input. Conversely, a nondeterministic expression or function may return different results even with the same input due to factors like system time, randomization, or external data changes.
Below is a quick overview of the differences between deterministic and nondeterministic functions/expressions.
Continue readingFix “ALTER TABLE DROP COLUMN failed because one or more objects access this column” in SQL Server (Error 4922)
If you’re getting an error that reads something like “ALTER TABLE DROP COLUMN c2 failed because one or more objects access this column” in SQL Server, it looks like you’re trying to drop a column that’s accessed by another object.
This can happen when we try to drop a column that’s referenced by a schema-bound view. It can happen even when we only try to alter the columns too.
Continue readingHow SQL Constraints Work: A Beginner’s Overview
Constraints are an important concept in relational database management systems (RDBMSs). Whenever we design a database, we need to ensure that it will be able to enforce data integrity, by checking or restricting what the user can enter to only data that conforms to the rules of the database. That’s where a constraint can help.
This article explores what SQL constraints are, the various types available, their importance, and how they are implemented.
Continue readingImplementing ON UPDATE CASCADE for SQL Server Foreign Keys
ON UPDATE CASCADE is a referential integrity constraint option that we can use in SQL Server when creating foreign keys. It automatically updates foreign key values in child tables when the corresponding primary key in the parent table is updated.
Fix “Cannot create index on view. It contains text, ntext, image, FILESTREAM or xml columns” in SQL Server (Error 1942)
If you’re getting an error that reads something like “Cannot create index on view ‘demo.dbo.v1’. It contains text, ntext, image, FILESTREAM or xml columns” in SQL Server, it appears that you’re trying to create an index on a view that uses an invalid data type.
Not all data types are supported when indexing views.
Continue readingWhat Does Sargable Mean?
“That query’s not sargable” says one developer to another.
“I know it’s not sargable… would you love it more if it had sargability?” replies the other developer.
“What does sargable mean?” you wonder in silence.
Continue reading