What does "::" mean in a SQL context?

Question

What does the "::" syntax mean in SSDT error message SQL71561? For example:

SQL71561: View: [dbo].[V_RPT_MART_SIGNALS] contains an unresolved reference to an object.Either the object does not exist or the reference is ambiguous because it could refer to any of the following objects:
[SSISDB].[CATALOG].[EXECUTIONS].[EXECUTION_ID] or
[SSISDB].[CATALOG].[EXECUTIONS].[TM]::[EXECUTION_ID]

This seems like such a strange syntax to see in in a SQL context, I can't believe I can't find it documented anywhere. (I've found that doing an online search for "::" doesn't work too well!)

possible duplicate of [Double colon (::) notation in SQL](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/5758499/double-colon-notation-in-sql) — I wrestled a bear once., Oct 29 '14 at 22:17
@Adelphia that question is for Postgres. The OP here is using SQL Server. — Martin Smith, Oct 29 '14 at 23:47

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Oct 29 '14 at 23:10

3

In the specific case there

  [SSISDB].[CATALOG].[EXECUTIONS].[TM]::[EXECUTION_ID]

The syntax would be database.schema.table_or_view.column::static_method_on_clr_type

The double colon is also used in legacy syntax for some functions

 SELECT * FROM ::fn_trace_getinfo(default)

And in the grammar for GRANT, REVOKE, DENY. (Example)

 GRANT INSERT ON SCHEMA :: HumanResources TO guest;

answered Oct 29 '14 at 23:10

Martin Smith

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So, it's not scope resolution operator as in my answer? – Rahul Oct 29 '14 at 23:21
1

@Rahul No. The only valid interpretation and usage after a column name would be invoking a static method of a CLR type. – Martin Smith Oct 29 '14 at 23:23
2

Hmm +1. Good to know. Deleting my answer. – Rahul Oct 29 '14 at 23:24

What does "::" mean in a SQL context?

1 Answers1