constant variable

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constant variable

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sqlfriends

Posted Friday, November 04, 2011 10:02 AM

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We have a default OrgnizationID we need to use in our database. It's a constant integer variable.
In quite a few stored procedures we use it.

But sometimes the default OrganizaitonID changes, instead of changing in all the stored procedure about the constant variable, is there another way to do this?

can we setup a globle variable in sql server?

Thanks

Post #1200728

John Michael Robertson

Posted Friday, November 04, 2011 10:11 AM

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One possible method is to create a simple scalar function to return the value.

Post #1200738

GilaMonster

Posted Friday, November 04, 2011 10:12 AM

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Put it into a 'Consts' table

Gail Shaw
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008, MVP
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Post #1200739

sqlfriends

Posted Friday, November 04, 2011 10:20 AM

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Yes, we ended up to create a simple scalar function to return the value.

And what is the const table?

Post #1200744

GilaMonster

Posted Friday, November 04, 2011 10:34 AM

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A table that you create to store constants.

Gail Shaw
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008, MVP
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Post #1200760

Steve Jones - SSC Editor

Posted Friday, November 04, 2011 10:47 AM

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I've done what I think Gail suggests and used a table as a global variable store, or a definition table. You store values in there that are needed in the application, and are likely "constant", but could potentially change (rarely). Almost like a configuration values table.

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Post #1200765

sqlfriends

Posted Friday, November 04, 2011 10:55 AM

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Thanks, so in this approach of storing constant in the table, how can we use it in sproc,
To select the value from the table? Or use a function?

Post #1200770

GSquared

Posted Friday, November 04, 2011 11:10 AM

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Build a table with constants in it.

Move it to a read-only filegroup, so that it avoids locks/blocks/et al, in terms of contention.

Select from it when you need to use a value.

If you ever need to change it, change the file to read-write, update it, then change it back to read-only.

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Post #1200779

Steve Jones - SSC Editor

Posted Friday, November 04, 2011 12:20 PM

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Use Gus' advice. You could use a function, but a simple select works just as well. Depends on how you want to encapsulate this for developers.

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Post #1200826

Sean Lange

Posted Friday, November 04, 2011 12:33 PM

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One big advantage of a const table (I have always called mine control) is that you can very easily get the values out of this table (assuming there are not very many columns and ONLY 1 row). just add a cross join to your table and you are all set.

declare @Code int = 10
select * from myTable
where myTable.Code = @Code

becomes

select * from MyTable
cross join control c
where MyTable.Code = c.Code

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