Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2008 All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies®

IV.3.4. Creating Triggers

Triggers are created using T-SQL code. Although they're viewable within the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) after they've been created, you can't create them in the graphical user interface.

IV.3.4.1. Creating a DML trigger

The following basic syntax creates a DML trigger:

CREATE TRIGGER triggername
ON table or view
AFTER or INSTEAD OF
INSERT or UPDATE or DELETE
AS
trigger code

The trigger will be created in the current database. Because the default database is Master when you open SSMS, you would usually change the context of the database with a USE command immediately preceding the trigger code.

In the following steps, you create a Sales database, a Customers table, an UPDATE trigger, and a DELETE trigger. By manipulating the data within the Customers table, you'll see the triggers being fired.

1. Launch SQL Server Management Studio.

   Choose StartAll ProgramsMicrosoft SQL Server 2008SQL Server Management Studio.

2. Open a new query window by clicking the New Query button.

3. Enter and execute the following code to create a database named Sales with a table named Customers:

   USE Master; GO CREATE DATABASE Sales; GO USE Sales; GO CREATE TABLE Customers ( CustomerID int ...