20

How can I create a column with the default value being an empty string?

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3 Answers 3

Reset to default
28

You can read up on the subject here

CREATE TABLE dbo.Test (ID INTEGER, EmptyString VARCHAR(32) DEFAULT '')

INSERT INTO dbo.Test (ID) VALUES (1)
INSERT INTO dbo.Test (ID) VALUES (2)

SELECT * FROM dbo.Test

DROP TABLE dbo.Test
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4 Comments

What database is this? In Oracle, if you set a VARCHAR to '', it becomes NULL.
@Brian Hooper, OP said using MS SQL 2008. Nevertheless, good to know Oracle works differently, thanks.
Ah. Either some tags have appeared recently or I need new glasses. Sorry, chaps.
@Brian, don't worry, your eyes are fine. I changed the tags after your comment and removed the using MS SQL 2008 from the question.
11

In SQL server you can set "Column properties > Default value or binding" section to (''). NOTE: It includes single quotation and parenthesis

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9

Something like:

CREATE TABLE foobar (string_column VARCHAR(100) NOT NULL DEFAULT '')

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