SQL Server, developed by Microsoft, is a popular relational database management system used worldwide. It is widely used in various applications, from small-scale to large-scale enterprises.
SQL Server provides various functions to handle complex queries and tasks efficiently. Here, we will discuss two essential SQL Server functions: CHAR() and ASCII().
1) SQL Server CHAR() Function
The CHAR() function in SQL Server returns a character value given its ASCII code value, which ranges from 0 to 255. The syntax of the CHAR() function is as follows:
CHAR(int_expr)
Here, int_expr is the integer expression that represents the ASCII code value of the character. The range of int_expr is from 0 to 255.
If the int_expr value is outside this range, the function returns NULL. The data type of the returned value is char(1).
Let’s look at an example to understand how the CHAR() function works. Suppose we want to concatenate the characters “H,” “e,” “l,” “l,” “o,” and a new line character in SQL Server.
We can use the CHAR() function to obtain the ASCII code value of the new line character and concatenate it with the other character values as follows:
SELECT 'Hello' + CHAR(10)Here, the ASCII value of the new line character is 10. Thus, the output of the above query will be:
Hello
2) ASCII Code Value Conversion
Another essential function in SQL Server is the ASCII() function, which returns the ASCII code value of a character. The syntax of the ASCII() function is as follows:
ASCII(character)
Here, the character argument represents the character whose ASCII code value we want to determine. The data type of the returned value is int.
If the character argument is NULL, the function returns NULL. Let’s look at an example to understand how the ASCII() function works.
Suppose we want to obtain the ASCII code value of the character “A” in SQL Server. We can use the ASCII() function as follows:
SELECT ASCII('A')The output of the above query will be:
65
Conclusion
The CHAR() and ASCII() functions are important functions in SQL Server that help us handle character data efficiently. The CHAR() function allows us to obtain the character value given its ASCII code value, while the ASCII() function enables us to determine the ASCII code value of a character.
By understanding how these functions work, we can efficiently manage and manipulate character data in SQL Server.
3) Example Demonstration
While the CHAR() and ASCII() functions may seem simple, they can be quite powerful when used properly. Here are a few examples to demonstrate how we can use these functions in SQL Server.
Using CHAR() Function to Get Characters
The primary use of the CHAR() function is to return a character value given its ASCII code value. Let’s say we want to return the characters for ASCII code values 65, 66, and 67, which correspond to “A,” “B,” and “C,” respectively.
We can use the CHAR() function as follows:
SELECT CHAR(65) AS A, CHAR(66) AS B, CHAR(67) AS CThe output of the above query will be:
A B C
– – –
As we can see from the output, the CHAR() function returns the respective characters for the ASCII code values.
Using CHAR() Function to Concat Strings
We can also use the CHAR() function to concatenate strings in SQL Server. For instance, let’s say we want to create a string that outputs “Hello, World!” on one line and a new line character on the next.
We can use the CONCAT() function to concatenate the string and the CHAR() function to get the new line character. Here’s how:
SELECT CONCAT('Hello, World!', CHAR(10))The output of the above query will be:
Hello, World!
As we can see from the output, the CHAR() function returns a new line character, which is then concatenated with the original string using the CONCAT() function.
4) Conclusion
In conclusion, the CHAR() function in SQL Server allows us to get character values given their respective ASCII code values, while the ASCII() function enables us to determine the ASCII code value of a character. We can use the CHAR() function in multiple ways, including getting characters and concatenating strings, to make our SQL Server queries efficient and effective.
By understanding how to use these functions in SQL Server, we can work with character data with ease, perform complex queries, and store and retrieve data effectively in relational databases. In summary, the CHAR() and ASCII() functions in SQL Server enable us to manage character data efficiently.
The CHAR() function allows us to obtain character values given their ASCII code values and concatenate strings effectively. In contrast, the ASCII() function allows us to obtain the ASCII code values of characters.
Understanding how to use these functions is essential in handling data in SQL Server, from small projects to large-scale enterprises. By optimizing queries, working with character data becomes easier, and relational databases can store and retrieve data more accurately.
Being proficient in these functions is crucial for developers, data analysts, and other professionals working with SQL Server.