Adding a null column and setting it to a default value of 0

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Adding a null column and setting it to a default value of 0

SQLTestUser

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September 15, 2011 at 7:15 pm

#247860

I am trying to add a null column and set it to a default value of 0
with
ALTER TABLE X add acolumn smallint NULL Default '0'
but when i look at the table the column acolumn is still displaying null for its values eventhoug the default value has been set to 0
do i have to update the values to 0 again can it not be done with a single alter statement
the alternative was to
alter it then update it
please let me know if anyone has a better idea
thanks

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crazy4sql SSCoach Points: 19590 More actions · Answer 1

right click on your database -- select design--select required column--in column properties, general tab you will see the "default value or binding". Mention 0 here.

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Ashish

SQLTestUser Hall of Fame Points: 3997 More actions · Answer 2

SQLTestUser

Hall of Fame

Points: 3997

September 15, 2011 at 9:16 pm

#1382361

I want to do it with a script

thanks

crazy4sql SSCoach Points: 19590 More actions · Answer 3

i thought you smart enough to generate the script after my previous comment.

ALTER TABLE [yourtable] ADD CONSTRAINT [constraintname] DEFAULT ((0)) FOR [columnname]

PS:- dont tell me you know the exact name as well.

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Ashish

SQLTestUser Hall of Fame Points: 3997 More actions · Answer 4

I am sorry but i did not understand "PS:- dont tell me you know the exact name as well"

crazy4sql SSCoach Points: 19590 More actions · Answer 5

I am sorry but i did not understand "PS:- dont tell me you know the exact name as well"

one day you will, till then dont reply 😀 😀 😀

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Ashish

SQLRNNR SSC Guru Points: 281324 More actions · Answer 6

SQLTestUser (9/15/2011)
I am trying to add a null column and set it to a default value of 0
with
ALTER TABLE X add acolumn smallint NULL Default '0'
but when i look at the table the column acolumn is still displaying null for its values eventhoug the default value has been set to 0
do i have to update the values to 0 again can it not be done with a single alter statement
the alternative was to
alter it then update it
please let me know if anyone has a better idea
thanks

You should update the values to 0 after running that Alter statement.

Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
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I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
SQL RNNR
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OTF SSCertifiable Points: 6054 More actions · Answer 7

SQLTestUser (9/15/2011)
I am trying to add a null column and set it to a default value of 0
with
ALTER TABLE X add acolumn smallint NULL Default '0'
but when i look at the table the column acolumn is still displaying null for its values eventhoug the default value has been set to 0
do i have to update the values to 0 again can it not be done with a single alter statement
the alternative was to
alter it then update it
please let me know if anyone has a better idea
thanks

I believe the UPDATE to the default value will only be done for you if you specify NOT NULL when creating the column.

ALTER TABLE X add acolumn smallint NOT NULL Default '0'

Lowell SSC Guru Points: 323482 More actions · Answer 8

ALTER TABLE X add acolumn smallint NULL Default 0 WITH VALUES

the optional WITH VALUES populates existing rows with the default value in the new column

Lowell

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Evil Kraig F SSC Guru Points: 100851 More actions · Answer 9

Need to include "WITH VALUES" on the default add.

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