Florian Reischl (9/7/2009)

---

There are a couple of better ways to handle this in SQL Server 2005/2008.

Paul White (9/7/2009)

---

But for a table which just needs sequential row numbers adding to it, even 2008 doesn't have a faster method.

I thought it was an interesting use of IDENTITY, and SWITCH.

Haven't seen you around much recently...?

Florian Reischl (9/7/2009)

---

It depends. In SQL Server 2005/2008 you can avoid the usage of a temporary table and directly create an incremental ID by bulk selecting data from source tables (if available).

Paul White (9/7/2009)

---

It's good to hear you are keeping busy anyway
Though the management side of things sounds quite dull.

I think you're referring to windowing functions like ROW_NUMBER...is that right? I'd like to be sure I understand you correctly.
That sure can be an efficient way to add a sequence number 'on the fly' - but I stand by my claim that the script I posted remains the fastest way to add persistent sequential numbering to a large table (Jeff's caveats noted).

Hope you are well.

Florian Reischl (9/7/2009)

---

(And there will be thousands of guys from New Zealand here in Munich )
What about you? Things are fine?

Paul White (9/7/2009)

---

Not sure we can spare 'thousands' though - the place will seem empty in October