Alternative Approaches to Grasping Identity Values in SQL Server 2005

Solutions:

1. Using OUTPUT Clause (Recommended):

   This method is ideal for SQL Server 2005 and later versions. The OUTPUT clause allows you to capture the identity values generated during the INSERT operation. Here's an example:

   CREATE TABLE MyTable (
       ID INT IDENTITY(1, 1) PRIMARY KEY,
       Name VARCHAR(50) NOT NULL
   );
   
   DECLARE @insertedIDs TABLE (ID INT);
   
   INSERT INTO MyTable (Name)
   OUTPUT INSERTED.ID INTO @insertedIDs
   VALUES
       ('foo'),
       ('Jane Doe');
   
   SELECT * FROM @insertedIDs;
   

   Explanation:

   • We first create a temporary table @insertedIDs to store the retrieved identity values.
   • The INSERT statement inserts two rows into MyTable.
   • The OUTPUT clause captures the ID values generated during the INSERT and inserts them into the @insertedIDs table.
   • Finally, we select the captured IDs from @insertedIDs.

2. Using Cursors (Alternative):

Related Issues:

• Cursors and Performance: Using cursors can impact performance, especially when dealing with large datasets. The OUTPUT clause is generally the preferred approach.
• Order of Identity Values: In SQL Server 2005, the OUTPUT clause might not guarantee the order of retrieved identity values if there are concurrent inserts from other applications. However, in most cases, the order is maintained.