SQL Server Search for Column Name

Dear Dev,If you are a database administrator, you have probably dealt with the frustration of trying to find a specific column within a table. It can be even more challenging when you need to search through multiple databases.In this article, we will explore several ways to search for a column name in SQL Server, including using system tables, stored procedures, and third-party tools. By the end of this article, you will have the tools you need to quickly find the column you are looking for.

Using System Tables

One of the easiest ways to search for a column name in SQL Server is to use system tables. These tables contain metadata about the SQL Server instance, including information about tables, columns, indexes, and more.

To search for a column name using system tables, you can use the following query:

Table Name	Column Name
sys.tables	name
sys.columns	name

This query will return a list of all tables and columns that match the specified column name.

Example

Let’s say you want to find all columns in any table that contain the word “city.” You can use the following query:

SELECTc.name AS 'Column Name',t.name AS 'Table Name'FROMsys.columns cINNER JOIN sys.tables t ON c.object_id = t.object_idWHEREc.name LIKE '%city%'

This query will return a list of all columns in any table that contain the word “city.” You can modify the query to search for any other column name by replacing “city” with your desired search term.

Using Stored Procedures

Another way to search for a column name in SQL Server is to use stored procedures. SQL Server provides several built-in stored procedures that can help you search for columns within tables.

One of the most commonly used stored procedures for searching for columns is sp_help. This stored procedure returns information about a table, including column names, data types, and more.

Example

To use sp_help to search for a column name, you can execute the following query:

EXEC sp_help 'table_name'

This query will return information about the specified table, including column names, data types, and more.

Using Third-Party Tools

If you prefer to use third-party tools, there are several options available that can help you search for column names in SQL Server.

One popular option is SQL Search, a free tool from Redgate Software that allows you to search for columns, tables, and more within your SQL Server instances.

FAQ

1. Can I search for column names across multiple databases?

Yes, you can search for column names across multiple databases by modifying the queries to include the database name.

2. Are there any other third-party tools available?

Yes, there are several third-party tools available, including SQL Prompt from Redgate Software and SQL Search and SQL Compare from DevArt.

3. Can I search for columns based on data type?

Yes, you can modify the queries to search for columns based on data type by including the data type in the WHERE clause.

4. Are there any limitations to using system tables for searching for column names?

Yes, there are some limitations to using system tables, including the fact that they only contain metadata about the SQL Server instance and not about individual databases or tables.

In conclusion, searching for a column name in SQL Server can be a frustrating experience. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can quickly find the column you are looking for. By using system tables, stored procedures, and third-party tools, you can streamline your search process and save time and effort.