Question

I was advised when executing a stored procedure, I should include the prefox dbo e.g.

exec dbo.’name_of_stored_procedure’

• Does it matter if I don’t include the prefix?
• When should I use the prefix?

Answer 1

If your stored procedure is in the dbo schema, then you should say:

EXEC dbo.name_of_procedure;

Pros for specifying schema:

• you know you’re calling dbo.procedure even if there is also some_other_schema.procedure
• the query engine doesn’t have to go check your default schema for a similarly named object first
• you don’t get unpredictable results (e.g. if there is one in your schema but you meant dbo)
• you have a better chance at query plan re-use if everyone consistently uses schema

Cons for specifying schema:

• you type an extra four characters

What else does not being explicit buy you?