How to UPDATE multiple values in T-SQL with a Stored Procedure

Discover how to effectively `UPDATE multiple values` in T-SQL using stored procedures, complete with code examples and best practices.
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How to UPDATE multiple values in T-SQL with a Stored Procedure

Updating values in a database table is a fundamental aspect of working with SQL, especially when you're dealing with stored procedures. However, when it comes to updating multiple columns, things can get a bit tricky if you're not familiar with how to handle optional parameters. In this post, we’ll explore how to update multiple values in a T-SQL table using a stored procedure while keeping the design flexible and easy to use.

The Problem: Updating Multiple Values

Let's start by looking at the structure of our database table, Ticket. This table contains several fields including the Ticket_Price and Nomer_Mest (seat number) among others. The current implementation of the stored procedure AlterTicket allows updating these values. However, one concern arises when you want to update only specific fields.

The initial structure looked like this:

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

The procedure was defined as follows:

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

While this works for updating both fields, it doesn't allow you to selectively update only one field without explicitly passing a value for the other. So how can we modify this scheme to allow for selective updating within our stored procedure?

The Solution: Using COALESCE for Optional Parameters

To enhance the procedure's flexibility, we can change the order of the parameters and use the COALESCE function. This function will allow us to check if a parameter is provided (i.e., not NULL); if it is not provided, the existing value in the database will be retained. Here's how to set it up:

Revised Stored Procedure

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

Key Changes Made:

The parameters were rearranged, and NULL checks were incorporated.

Both Ticket_Price and Nomer_Mest can now be updated conditionally.

Executing the Stored Procedure

Now, when you want to execute this stored procedure, you can call it with the following commands:

To only update Ticket_Price:

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

To only update Nomer_Mest:

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

Best Practices: Consider Using DECIMAL Instead of MONEY

Lastly, it's worth noting that for monetary values, many experts recommend using the DECIMAL data type instead of MONEY. The DECIMAL data type gives you more control over precision and scale, making it a safer choice for storing currency values.

Conclusion

By utilizing optional parameters effectively and implementing NULL checks via the COALESCE function, you can create a robust stored procedure that allows for flexible updates in your SQL Server databases. This not only simplifies your code but also enhances its usability and readability.

Feel free to implement this approach in your database interactions to streamline your T-SQL procedures efficiently!