How to Search a Table Name Across Multiple Databases in SQL Server 2019

Discover how to efficiently search for a specific table name across multiple databases in SQL Server 2019 with our easy-to-follow guide.
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Searching for a Table Name Across Multiple Databases in SQL Server 2019

Finding a table name across multiple databases in SQL Server can be quite challenging, especially when you're unsure which database contains the table you're looking for. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of performing a successful search for a specific table name, using SQL Server 2019. We'll break down the solution into clear, organized sections, making it easy to follow along.

The Problem: Locating a Specific Table

Suppose you have a table named AADatatimeBB which is located in DatabaseB. However, if you are unsure which database contains this specific table among multiple databases like DatabaseA, DatabaseB, DatabaseC, and DatabaseD, you may find it difficult to retrieve the necessary information.

The Solution: Searching Across All Databases

To effectively search for a table across multiple databases, we can leverage SQL queries that allow us to retrieve details about databases and their tables. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

Step 1: Retrieve All Database Names

Start by fetching the names of all databases available on your SQL server using the following queries:

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Alternatively, you can use:

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This will provide you with a comprehensive list of databases to inspect.

Step 2: Retrieve Table Names from a Specific Database

Once you've identified the databases, you can investigate the tables in a specific database. Use the following query structure to switch databases and retrieve table names:

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You can replace master with the name of any other database you'd like to query.

Step 3: Looping Through All Databases

Now, to automate the process of retrieving all tables from every database, you can utilize a loop. Here’s a sample code that accomplishes this:

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This code snippet creates a temporary table, inserts all database names, and executes a query to select tables from each database systematically.

Step 4: Searching for the Table with the SQL LIKE Operator

If you want to narrow down your search to find specific tables matching certain criteria, you can modify the SQL statement to include the LIKE operator. Here's how you can adjust your loop to find tables whose names include "a":

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Using this query, you can search dynamically across each database for table names that contain certain characters.

Conclusion

Searching for a table across multiple databases in SQL Server 2019 doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively locate your desired table in no time. Remember to adjust the SQL queries as necessary based on your specific use case or naming conventions.

Now that you have the tools you need, you can explore your SQL databases with greater confidence. Happy querying!