In SQL Server, the sp_helptext statement is a useful tool for viewing the definition of various database objects. It allows you to easily access the T-SQL code used to create stored procedures, functions, views, and computed columns. In this article, we will explore the syntax and usage of the sp_helptext statement, as well as two alternative methods for obtaining object definitions.

The Syntax of the sp_helptext Statement

The syntax of the sp_helptext statement is as follows:

EXEC sp_helptext [@obj_name =] 'Object_Name', [@column_name =] computed_column_name

The @obj_name parameter specifies the name of the database object you want to view. This can be a stored procedure, function, computed column, or trigger. If the object name includes a schema, it must be enclosed in quotes. The @column_name parameter is used to specify the name of a computed column, if applicable.

When the sp_helptext statement is executed, it returns the T-SQL code that was used to create the specified object. The definition of the database objects is stored in the definition column of the sys.sql_modules DMV.

Examples of Using the sp_helptext Statement

Let’s explore some examples to better understand how the sp_helptext statement works:

Example 1: Viewing the Definition of a Stored Procedure

To view the definition of a stored procedure named Website.ChangePassword, you can execute the following query:

USE WideWorldImporters;
EXEC sp_helptext 'Website.ChangePassword';

Example 2: Viewing the Definition of a User-Defined Function

If you want to view the definition of a user-defined scalar function named Website.CalculateCustomerPrice, you can run the following query:

USE WideWorldImporters;
EXEC sp_helptext 'Website.CalculateCustomerPrice';

Example 3: Viewing the Definition of a Database View

To view the definition of a view named Website.Suppliers, you can execute the following query:

USE WideWorldImporters;
EXEC sp_helptext 'Website.Suppliers';

Example 4: Viewing the Definition of a Computed Column

If you have a computed column named SearchName on the Application.People table, you can view its definition using the following query:

USE WideWorldImporters;
EXEC sp_helptext 'Application.People', 'SearchName';

Alternative Methods for Obtaining Object Definitions

In addition to the sp_helptext statement, there are two alternative methods for obtaining object definitions in SQL Server.

Method 1: Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

You can use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to generate the script of a database object. Here are the steps to generate the T-SQL definition of different objects:

• To generate the T-SQL definition of a stored procedure, right-click on the procedure in SSMS, hover over “Script Stored Procedure as,” and click on “Create To New Query Editor Window.”
• To generate the T-SQL definition of a user-defined function, follow the same steps as for a stored procedure, but select “Script Function” instead.
• To generate the T-SQL definition of a view, right-click on the view, hover over “Script View as,” and click on “Create To New Query Editor Window.”
• To generate the T-SQL definition of a check constraint, right-click on the constraint, hover over “Script Constraint as,” and click on “Create To New Query Editor Window.”

Method 2: Using the sys.sql_modules Table

The sys.sql_modules table contains the definitions of all objects in the database. You can run a SELECT statement on this table to retrieve the T-SQL definition of a specific object. For example, to retrieve the T-SQL query of the Website.ChangePassword stored procedure, you can execute the following query:

USE WideWorldImporters;
SELECT definition FROM sys.sql_modules WHERE object_id = object_id('Website.ChangePassword');

Conclusion

The sp_helptext statement is a valuable tool for viewing the definitions of various database objects in SQL Server. By using this statement, along with the alternative methods discussed, you can easily access the T-SQL code used to create stored procedures, functions, views, and computed columns. Understanding the structure and syntax of your database objects is essential for effective database management and development.