How to Convert SQL Server Result Set into String

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Some of the content was synthetically produced using various Generative AI (artificial intelligence) tools; so, there may be inaccuracies or misleading information present in the video. Please consider this before relying on the content to make any decisions or take any actions etc. If you still have any concerns, please feel free to write them in a comment. Thank you.
---

Summary: Learn the steps and techniques to convert an SQL Server result set into a string format for ease of use in various applications.
---

How to Convert SQL Server Result Set into String

Converting an SQL Server result set into a string can be crucial for various applications, including logging, testing, or displaying data in a single text-based format. This guide will guide you through the process and highlight some common methods to achieve this task efficiently.

Why Convert Result Set into a String?

Before diving into the methods, it is essential to understand why one might need to convert a result set to a string:

Logging: Capturing result sets as strings can help in logging operations where textual outputs are essential.

Debugging: Facilitates easier debugging by allowing developers to print results in a readable format.

Integration: String outputs can be integrated into applications or scripts that may not directly support result set handling.

Methods to Convert Result Set into String in SQL Server

Method 1: Using FOR XML PATH

One widely used method is to embed the result set in an XML format, which then can be converted into a single string. Here's a simple example using FOR XML PATH:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This query concatenates column values into a single string, separated by commas.

Method 2: Using STRING_AGG

STRING_AGG is a simple and effective method available for SQL Server 2017 and above. It aggregates the values as a single string:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This approach is straightforward and very readable.

Method 3: Using COALESCE

For those using earlier versions of SQL Server where STRING_AGG is not available, combining COALESCE with a cursor can also serve the purpose:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This method builds the string by iterating through the rows of the result set.

Method 4: Using a User-Defined Function (UDF)

Creating a User-Defined Function (UDF) can also be a reusable way to convert result sets to strings:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

You can then call this function to get your desired string:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

Converting an SQL Server result set into a string can be achieved through various methods, depending on your needs and the version of SQL Server you are using. Whether you opt for XML concatenation, STRING_AGG, COALESCE, or a custom UDF, each method comes with its strengths and usage scenarios. By understanding these techniques, you can efficiently manage textual representations of your result sets.