If you’ve ever used SQL Profiler, you know that it’s a powerful tool for capturing and analyzing SQL Server events. However, one frustrating limitation is the inability to save the trace results directly to a table when generating a script. In this article, we’ll explore this limitation and discuss possible workarounds.

When setting up a trace in SQL Profiler, you have the option to log the results to a table. This can be useful for further analysis or archiving purposes. However, when you try to save the trace as a script and execute it later, the table logging functionality doesn’t work.

Upon examining the generated script, you’ll notice that the section responsible for creating the table and inserting events is missing. This indicates that the ability to log to a table is specific to SQL Profiler and not a built-in feature of SQL Server itself.

So, how can we log trace results directly to a table without relying on SQL Profiler? There are a couple of possible approaches:

1. Replicate Profiler’s Behavior

One option is to replicate the behavior of SQL Profiler by capturing events and inserting them into a table. This would involve creating a table similar to the one used by Profiler and writing code to insert events as they occur. However, this approach may require lower-level programming skills and is not a straightforward solution.

2. Automate SQL Profiler

Another option is to automate SQL Profiler to perform the logging for us. This can be done by using Profiler’s ability to load a template using a command-line switch or by simulating user actions to set up the profile. However, these methods may be considered as hacks and not recommended for production environments.

As a workaround, SQL Server provides the function fn_trace_gettable which allows you to import trace results from a file into a table. This means that you can save the trace results to a file and then import them into a table using this function. While this may not be as convenient as logging directly to a table, it provides a viable solution.

In conclusion, logging SQL Profiler results directly to a table when generating a script is not a built-in feature of SQL Server. However, there are workarounds available such as replicating Profiler’s behavior or automating Profiler to perform the logging. Alternatively, you can save the trace results to a file and import them into a table using the fn_trace_gettable function. Choose the approach that best suits your needs and feel free to share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below.