SQL Server Cursors (with examples)

SQL Server, a versatile relational database management system, comes packed with features that cater to developers and database administrators. One such feature, often debated in its utility, is the “cursor”. Here, we’ll explore how to effectively use cursors in SQL Server with hands-on examples.

Table of Contents

What are SQL Cursors?

In SQL Server, a cursor is a database object that retrieves data from a result set one row at a time. Unlike the typical SELECT statement that returns all rows, a cursor fetches each row and lets you operate on it.

Why Use Cursors?

Before diving into examples, it’s vital to understand why you’d want to use a cursor. Consider scenarios where:

Data needs row-by-row processing.
Complex logic applies to each row individually.
Rows from one result set are used to manipulate other tables.

However, remember, cursors can be slower due to their nature. It’s essential to use them judiciously.

How to declare and use a SQL Server cursor?

Let’s move on to the practical part. Here’s a basic example to start:

DECLARE @Name VARCHAR(50)
DECLARE cur CURSOR FOR 
SELECT Name FROM Employees WHERE Department = 'IT'

OPEN cur
FETCH NEXT FROM cur INTO @Name

WHILE @@FETCH_STATUS = 0
BEGIN
   PRINT @Name
   FETCH NEXT FROM cur INTO @Name
END

CLOSE cur
DEALLOCATE cur

In this example, we declare a cursor that selects names from an Employees table for those in the ‘IT’ department. The results are then printed one by one.

Different cursor types in SQL Server

SQL Server offers different types of cursors:

Forward-Only: Moves forward in the result set.
Scroll: Can move backward and forward.
Static: Provides a snapshot of data.
Dynamic: Reflects changes to the data while the cursor is open.
Keyset: Data modifications are noted, but new additions or deletions aren’t visible.

Each type serves unique scenarios, so choose wisely!

Common Pitfalls and Best Practices

While cursors have their place, it’s essential to avoid some common pitfalls:

Performance Issues: Cursors can slow down operations. Always look for set-based alternatives first.
Resource Consumption: Cursors might use more memory, so ensure to deallocate them once done.
Complex Logic: Ensure your logic inside the cursor loop is optimized.

Best practices to remember:

Use cursors only when necessary.
Always close and deallocate cursors.
Opt for read-only cursors when updates aren’t required.

To go further, consider reading the official documentation on MS website.

Conclusion on cursor use in T-SQL code

Remember, while cursors offer row-by-row processing in SQL Server, it’s always important to evaluate if they are the best tool for the task at hand. Stick to set-based operations whenever possible for the best performance.