User-defined Function:
In a user-defined function we write our logic according to our needs. The main advantage of a user-defined function is that we are not just limited to pre-defined functions. We can write our own functions for our specific needs or to simplify complex SQL code. The return type of a SQL function is either a scalar value or a table.
Creation of a function
Create function ss(@id int) returns table as return select * from item where itemId = @id
Execution of a Function
select * from ss(1)
According to the MSDN Books online COALESCE() returns the first Non NULL value. Let's understand this with an example.
Consider the Employees Table below. Not all employees have their First, Midde and Last Names filled. Some of the employees has First name missing,