Can you use brackets in SQL?

On SQL Server and MS Access, square brackets have a special meaning when used in a query filter. The square brackets are used to specify a set or range of characters, as in “[A-Z]” which would match any single character from ‘A’ to ‘Z’.

Why does SQL Server use brackets?

3 Answers. The square brackets [] are used to delimit identifiers. This is necessary if the column name is a reserved keyword or contains special characters such as a space or hyphen. Some users also like to use square brackets even when they are not necessary.

What is the use of [] in SQL?

Using brackets allows your code to be upgraded to a new SQL Server version, without first needing to edit Microsoft’s newly reserved words out of your client code.

What does curly brackets mean in SQL?

In SQL syntax notation, curly brackets enclose two or more required alternative choices, separated by vertical bars. [ ] In SQL syntax notation, square brackets indicate an optional element or clause.

Do you need square brackets in SQL?

1) If you have SQL keyword, space or any other illegal characters then you need to use square brackets.

What’s the purpose of square brackets in SQL?

Square brackets may be placed around objects (e.g. views, databases, columns etc) Their primary purpose is, as Mark mentioned, to encapsulate the objects so that special characters such as a space or period do not interfere with your syntax.

How is brace and delimiter matching done in SQL?

This is known as delimiter matching in the Database Engine Query Editor, brace matching in the Analysis Services XMLA Query Editor, and parenthesis matching in the MDX and DMX editors. The Database Engine Query Editor matches the delimiters that identify the boundaries of code blocks. The matching is done in two ways:

Where do you find curly braces in SQL Server?

Curly braces are not used in SQL Server’s TSQL. They are normally seen in third-party applications such as Crystal Reports. When you view the SQL for a Crystal Report, parameter values will be inside curly braces. Thank you SQLBill for your answer, but it looks like there is kind of misundersanding.

Can a square bracket be used in the LIKE clause?

This is because the square bracket is one among the wildcard characters in the LIKE clause. According to Microsoft Docs, square brackets can be used in LIKE clause to match any single character within the specified range ( [b-h]) or set ( [ghijk]). The solution for this is to escape the square bracket.