But this works (a subsequent lesson)....and the only difference is the SELECT seq=IDENTITY(int). "This approach uses the IDENTITY() function with SELECT...INTO to add an identity column to the work table. It then uses this column to sort the result set when returning it." (K.H. p 245)

select seq=identity(int), chartdepth=1, employee=o2.employee,

supervisor=o1.employee

into #org_chart

from staff o1 join staff o2 on (o1.employee=o2.supervisor);

while (@@rowcount > 0)

begin

insert #org_chart (chartdepth, employee, supervisor)

select distinct o1.chartdepth+1, o2.employee, o1.supervisor

from #org_chart o1 join #org_chart o2 on (o1.employee=o2.supervisor)

where o1.chartdepth=(select max(chartdepth) from #org_chart)

and o1.supervisor<>o1.employee

end

select s.employee_name, supervises='supervises', e.employee_name

from #org_chart o join staff s on (o.supervisor=s.employee)

inner join staff e on (o.employee=e.employee)

where o.supervisor<>o.employee

order by seq

Can anyone explain the reason K.H. may have shown one supposedly working example without the "SELECT seq=IDENTITY(int)" and one with?