Avoid NULL columns using DEFAULT Empty String

Question

How can I create a column with the default value being an empty string?

score 27 · Accepted Answer · answered Aug 06 '10 at 07:24

27

You can read up on the subject here

CREATE TABLE dbo.Test (ID INTEGER, EmptyString VARCHAR(32) DEFAULT '')

INSERT INTO dbo.Test (ID) VALUES (1)
INSERT INTO dbo.Test (ID) VALUES (2)

SELECT * FROM dbo.Test

DROP TABLE dbo.Test

answered Aug 06 '10 at 07:24

Lieven Keersmaekers

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What database is this? In Oracle, if you set a VARCHAR to '', it becomes NULL. – Brian Hooper Aug 06 '10 at 09:59
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@Brian Hooper, OP said *using MS SQL 2008*. Nevertheless, good to know Oracle works differently, thanks. – Lieven Keersmaekers Aug 06 '10 at 11:34
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Ah. Either some tags have appeared recently or I need new glasses. Sorry, chaps. – Brian Hooper Aug 06 '10 at 11:58
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@Brian, don't worry, your eyes are fine. I changed the tags after your comment and removed the *using MS SQL 2008* from the question. – Lieven Keersmaekers Aug 06 '10 at 14:05

score 9 · Answer 2 · edited Apr 17 '17 at 02:35

9

In SQL server you can set "Column properties > Default value or binding" section to (''). NOTE: It includes single quotation and parenthesis

edited Apr 17 '17 at 02:35

dashtinejad

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answered May 09 '15 at 17:53

Reza Roshan

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score 9 · Answer 3 · answered Aug 06 '10 at 07:21

9

Something like:

CREATE TABLE foobar (string_column VARCHAR(100) NOT NULL DEFAULT '')

answered Aug 06 '10 at 07:21

tdammers

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Avoid NULL columns using DEFAULT Empty String

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