When working with SQL Server, it is important to follow certain best practices for object naming and query optimization. These practices can improve the performance, readability, and maintainability of your SQL code. In this article, we will discuss some of these best practices.

1. Object Naming Conventions

When naming tables, views, stored procedures, and triggers, it is recommended to use “Pascal” notation. This means using capital letters for the first letter of each word, without spaces. For example, “UserDetails” and “Emails”. Tables and views should also have a plural ending, such as “UserDetails” and “Emails”. If you have a large subset of tables, you can give them a prefix separated by an underscore, such as “Page_UserDetails” and “Page_Emails”.

Stored procedures should follow the naming convention: sp<Application Name>_[<group name>_]<action type><table name or logical instance>. The action type should be a verb, such as Get, Delete, Update, Write, Archive, or Insert. For example, “spApplicationName_GetUserDetails” and “spApplicationName_UpdateEmails”.

Triggers should be named using the pattern: TR_<TableName>_<action><description>. For example, “TR_Emails_LogEmailChanges” and “TR_UserDetails_UpdateUserName”.

Indexes should be named using the pattern: IX_<tablename>_<columns separated by _>. For example, “IX_UserDetails_UserID”. Primary keys should be named using the pattern: PK_<tablename>. For example, “PK_UserDetails”. Foreign keys should be named using the pattern: FK_<tablename_1>_<tablename_2>. For example, “FK_UserDetails_Emails”. Default constraints should be named using the pattern: DF_<table name>_<column name>. For example, “DF_UserDetails_UserName”.

2. Query Optimization

When writing SQL queries, it is important to optimize them for performance. Here are some best practices:

• Avoid using SELECT * in SQL queries. Instead, specify the required column names after the SELECT statement.
• Use SET NOCOUNT ON at the beginning of SQL batches, stored procedures, and triggers to improve performance.
• Properly format SQL queries using indents for better readability.
• Write SQL keywords in uppercase, such as SELECT, UPDATE, INSERT, WHERE, INNER JOIN, AND, OR, and LIKE.
• Avoid using server-side cursors as much as possible. Instead, use SELECT statements. If you need to use a cursor, consider using a SELECT statement with an INSERT statement instead of a loop.
• Avoid using spaces within the name of database objects. If you need spaces, surround the object name with square brackets, such as [Order Details].
• Do not use reserved words for naming database objects to avoid unpredictable situations.
• Write comments in stored procedures, triggers, and SQL batches to improve code understanding.
• Indent code for better readability.
• When using JOINs in your SQL query, prefix column names with the table name. If necessary, prefix the table name with the server name, database name, and database owner.
• Define default constraints at the column level and other constraints at the table level.
• Avoid using rules of database objects and instead use constraints.
• Avoid using the RECOMPILE option for stored procedures unless specifically required.
• Put DECLARE statements at the beginning of the code in stored procedures for better readability.
• Put SET statements before executing code in stored procedures.

By following these best practices, you can improve the performance, readability, and maintainability of your SQL Server code. Remember to always select appropriate names for your objects and optimize your queries for better performance.

Thank you for reading!