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Using the Built-in SQL Functions

Hundreds of timesaving functions are built into Microsoft SQL Server. These functions enable you to perform all sorts of tasks such as working with dates and strings and performing mathematical calculations. Some of the most commonly used functions are described in this section. However, you can locate a list of all built-in functions by searching Microsoft SQL Server Books Online for “functions.”

Working with Strings

Microsoft SQL Server ships with a number of functions that enable you to manipulate strings. For the most part, these string functions are similar to the ones used in Microsoft Visual Basic.

For instance, the Left() and Right()functions are nearly identical to their counterparts. They enable you ...