As a SQL Server developer, it is important to follow certain principles and best practices to ensure a pleasant and productive development environment. In this article, we will discuss five basic principles that can greatly improve your SQL Server development process.

1) Agree on a coding style and document it

Having a consistent coding style is crucial for readability and maintainability of your code. It doesn’t matter what specific style you choose, as long as it is agreed upon by your team and properly documented. Consistently formatted code is easier to read and understand, and it also facilitates code sharing. Make sure to publish the coding style and have everyone who works with the code read and sign it. This will ensure that everyone follows the same standards and reduces confusion.

2) Note dependencies and expected results

When writing SQL code, it is important to note the dependencies, what the code affects, and the expected results. Consider questions such as: What is the anticipated input? Does the code impact any data (e.g., delete records, change values, create objects)? Does it call any other pieces of code? By answering these questions, you not only ensure that your code fits within the overall system design, but also make it easier for others to understand and maintain your code. Documenting these details saves time and effort when troubleshooting or modifying the code in the future.

3) Use white space

Properly formatting your SQL code with white space greatly improves readability. Compare the following examples:

Select a.Col1, a.col2, a.col3, case a.col5 when 'A' then 'apple' else 'banana' end as FruitName 
from tablea a where a.col7 = 1

Select 
     a.Col1, 
     a.col2, 
     a.col3, 
     case a.col5 
     when 'A' then 'apple' 
     else 'banana' 
     end as FruitName 
from 
     tablea a 
where 
     a.col7 = 1

Adding white space makes the code more readable and easier to understand. It is a simple step that can save a significant amount of time when working with code.

4) Establish naming conventions

Using consistent and meaningful names for database objects, variables, and parameters is essential for code clarity. While naming conventions can be a subjective topic, there are some basic guidelines that can be followed. Avoid using abbreviations and reserved words as names. Instead, use full words that accurately describe the purpose of the object or variable. For example, use “@SalesCount” instead of “@MyCount”. This helps other developers understand the code more easily and reduces confusion.

5) Keep it simple

Simplicity is key in SQL Server development. Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable chunks of code makes it easier to read, test, and deploy. Avoid writing excessively long code blocks that are difficult to understand. If you find yourself needing to comment extensively to explain what the code does, consider simplifying and rewriting the code. Remember, if you revisit your own code and struggle to understand it, it may be a sign that it needs to be rewritten for clarity.

By following these five basic principles, you can greatly improve your SQL Server development process. Consistent coding style, documenting dependencies, using white space, establishing naming conventions, and keeping the code simple will lead to more readable, maintainable, and efficient SQL code. Implementing these principles in your development environment will save time and effort in the long run.

We hope you find these principles useful. Feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions on what other principles you would add to this list. Stay tuned for part two, where we will discuss principles specifically for database developers.