Tag: t-sql

How to Delete Files in SQL Server 2019

Posted on by Ian

In SQL Server 2019, you can use the sys.xp_delete_files stored procedure to delete a file on the file system.

This stored procedure was introduced in SQL Server 2019, and it can be used in conjunction with sys.xp_copy_file and sys.xp_copy_files (both of which were also introduced in SQL Server 2019), which enable you to copy files.

Prior to SQL Server 2019, you would need to use xp_cmdshell, which spawns a Windows command shell and passes in a string for execution. The new stored procedures introduced in SQL Server 2019 allow you to copy and delete files without relying on xp_cmdshell.

Continue reading →

New Way to Copy Files in SQL Server 2019

Posted on by Ian

Two new stored procedures introduced in SQL Server 2019 are sys.xp_copy_file and sys.xp_copy_files, which enable you to copy files.

Prior to SQL Server 2019, you would need to use xp_cmdshell, which spawns a Windows command shell and passes in a string for execution. The new stored procedures introduced in SQL Server 2019 allow you to copy files without relying on xp_cmdshell.

Continue reading →

FILE_ID() vs FILE_IDEX() in SQL Server: What’s the Difference?

Posted on by Ian

In SQL Server, you can use the FILE_IDEX() function to return the ID of a given database file. You can also use the FILE_ID() function to do the same thing. Both functions serve pretty much the same purpose, so why does T-SQL have both functions?

It appears that FILE_IDEX() is a replacement for FILE_ID(), and it supports a larger range of file IDs. Microsoft now recommends against using FILE_ID(), as it’s in maintenance mode and may be removed in a future version of SQL Server.

So if you’re looking for a quick answer for which function to use, use FILE_IDEX().

But if you’re interested in the difference between these two functions, read on.

Continue reading →

Use FILE_IDEX() to Return the ID of a Database File in SQL Server

Posted on by Ian

In SQL Server, you can use the FILE_IDEX() function to return the ID of a given database file.

To do this, pass the logical file name of the database file to the function. This is the name that corresponds to the name column in the sys.master_files catalog view or the sys.database_files catalog view. Those views also contain the file ID, but FILE_NAME() saves you from having to query those views.

Continue reading →

Use FILE_NAME() to Return the Logical File Name for a Given File ID in SQL Server

Posted on by Ian

In SQL Server, you can use the FILE_NAME() function to return the logical file name of a given database file.

To do this, pass the file ID to the function. This is the ID that corresponds to the file_id column in the sys.master_files catalog view or the sys.database_files catalog view. Those views also contain the logical file name, but the FILE_NAME() function saves you from having to query those views.

Continue reading →