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What is the SQL Server SYSNAME Data Type and When Should You Use It?
- Barbara StreisandOriginal
- 2025-01-07 09:52:401026browse
Exploring the SYSNAME Data Type in SQL Server
The SYSNAME data type in SQL Server is primarily designed to store object names. As documented in MSDN, it is utilized for table columns, variables, and stored procedure parameters that hold these names. While this description may initially seem abstract, there are practical use cases where this data type proves invaluable.
Take, for example, the need to create a table that stores metadata about existing tables in the database. To achieve this, you could define a column using the SYSNAME data type. This column would then accommodate the names of the tables being tracked. By leveraging the specific characteristics of SYSNAME, which is limited to 128 Unicode characters and has a default NOT NULL constraint, you can ensure that the object names are stored consistently and accurately.
It's important to note that SYSNAME is essentially equivalent to using NVarchar(128) NOT NULL. However, it offers certain advantages when working with object names, making it the preferred choice for this specific purpose.
While less common in practical business scenarios, SYSNAME is often employed by Microsoft internally. For instance, when examining the system tables and stored procedures within SQL Server, you will frequently encounter columns defined as SYSNAME. This is because the values stored in these columns represent objects themselves (e.g., tables, views, etc.).
In summary, SYSNAME is a specialized data type that plays a crucial role in storing object names within SQL Server. Its unique properties make it particularly well-suited for this purpose, ensuring consistency and accurate representation. While its use in specific business applications may be limited, it remains an indispensable tool for internal database management and object manipulation.
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