Professional SQL Server™ 2005 Programming

10.2. Batches

A batch is a grouping of T-SQL statements into one logical unit. All of the statements within a batch are combined into one execution plan, so all statements are parsed together and must pass a validation of the syntax or none of the statements will execute. Note, however, that this does not prevent runtime errors from happening. In the event of a runtime error, any statement that has been executed prior to the runtime error will still be in effect. To summarize, if a statement fails at parse-time, then nothing runs — if a statement fails at runtime, then all statements until the statement that generated the error have already run.

All the scripts we have run up to this point are made up of one batch each. Even the script we've been analyzing so far this in chapter is just one batch. To separate a script into multiple batches, we make use of the GO statement. The GO statement:

• Must be on its own line (nothing other than a comment can be on the same line); there is an exception to this discussed shortly, but think of a GO as needing to be on a line to itself

• Causes all statements since the beginning of the script or the last GO statement (whichever is closer) to be compiled into one execution plan and sent to the server independently of any other batches

• Is not a T-SQL command, but, rather, a command recognized by the various SQL Server command utilities (OSQL, ISQL, and the Query Analyzer)

10.2.1.

10.2.1.1. A Line to Itself

The GO command should stand alone on its ...