SQL Server String Functions
Manipulating strings is a common task in T-SQL. Below are a few of SQL’s built-in functions that make dealing with strings easier.
LEN – determines the length of a string value.
Syntax: LEN ( string_expression )
LEFT – returns the specified number of characters from the left side of the string value.
Syntax: LEFT ( character_expression, integer_expression )
RIGHT – returns the specified number of characters from the right side of the string value.
Syntax: RIGHT ( character_expression, integer_expression )
SUBSTRING – returns the specified number of characters from the middle of the string value.
Syntax: SUBSTRING ( expression, start, length )
REPLACE – replaces characters in the string
Syntax: REPLACE ( string_expression, string_pattern, string_replacement)
STUFF – inserts characters in the string
Syntax: STUFF ( character_expression, start, length, character_expression )
T-SQL Code Sample
DECLARE @testString VARCHAR(20) SET @testString = 'Big Bang Theory' SELECT LEN(@testString) AS _Length, LEFT(@testString,3) AS _Left, RIGHT(@testString,6) AS _Right, SUBSTRING(@testString,5,4) AS _Substring, REPLACE(@testString,'Bang', 'Bazinga') AS _Replace, STUFF(@testString,5,0,'Big ') AS _Stuff
T-SQL Code Sample – Result
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