SQL Server 2008 Inline variable initialization and Compound assignment

By: Chad Boyd   |   Updated: 2007-10-15   |   Comments (1)   |   Related: > TSQL

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!

About the author

Chad Boyd is an Architect, Administrator and Developer with technologies such as SQL Server, .NET, and Windows Server.

This author pledges the content of this article is based on professional experience and not AI generated.

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