Question

Is there a standard/convention for how the columns should be ordered in the definition of a database table, and if so what is the motivation for that standard? (pros/cons)

For example, should the primary key be the first column? Should the foreign keys directly follow the primary key or should they be placed at the far right of the table?

If there is a difference between conventions for different DBMSs, the DBMS in this case is Microsoft SQL Server 2005.

Thanks /Erik

Answer 1

I am not aware of any standard, but the way we structure our colums is

1. Primary key(s)
2. Any foreign keys
3. Data

Our large data columns, like comments, are put at the end. It makes it easier to view as much data as possible in the Query Analyzer without having to scroll to the right.