Question

My code is SELECT COUNT(*) FROM name_list WHERE [name]='a' LIMIT 1

It appears there is no limit clause in SQL Server. So how do i say tell me if ‘a’ exist in name_list.name?

Answer 1

IF EXISTS(SELECT * FROM name_list WHERE name = 'a')
BEGIN
    -- such a record exists
END
ELSE
BEGIN
    -- such a record does not exist
END

Points to note:

• don’t worry about the SELECT * – the database engine knows what you are asking
• the IF is just for illustration – the EXISTS(SELECT ...) expression is what answers your question
• the BEGIN and END are strictly speaking unnecessary if there is only one statement in the block