is there a describe or show function in SQL server 2022?

Question

Is there a description or show function in SQL server 2022? Or a similar way to do this?

Answer 1

Hi @Jonathan Brotto > Would there be a script or export option to show all the columns within this database/table?

There are several ways to see the column details.

1. In SSMS, expand the database and tables in the Object Explorer, then right-click on the table and select "Design" or expand "Columns" to view the column details.

2. You can query the INFORMATION_SCHEMA.COLUMNS view to get information about the columns like this:

USE YourDatabaseName
SELECT * --here choose the specific information you are interested
FROM INFORMATION_SCHEMA.COLUMNS
WHERE TABLE_NAME = 'YourTable' --comment this line to retrive column information for the whole database

3.Using the system stored procedure sp_columns to get information about columns in a specific table:

USE YourDatabaseName
EXEC sp_columns @table_name = 'YourTable';

Best regards,

Cosmog

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Answer 2

Hi,

The question is too short and lacks clarity. I will answer the best possible way.

SQL Server doesn't have built-in DESCRIBE or SHOW commands for functions like you might find in other databases**.**

Instead, you'll need to utilize these methods:

• sp_helptext: This stored procedure provides the actual T-SQL code of the function. It's useful for understanding the function's logic.
  • Example: EXEC sp_helptext 'my_function';
• Object Explorer: SQL Server Management Studio's Object Explorer allows you to view and modify database objects graphically. You can right-click on a function and choose "Script Function AS" to generate the T-SQL code.
• System Catalog Views: For more advanced scenarios, you can query system catalog views like sys.objects, sys.sql_modules, and sys.functions to retrieve metadata about functions. However, these views don't provide the full function definition.

Regards,

Ahamed Careem

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Answer 3

Hi,

Just execute below query, you will get complete info:

select * from DatabaseName.INFORMATION_SCHEMA.columns

Answer 4

Try

sp_help 'YourTable'