Understanding master..spt_values in SQL: Purpose and Value Meanings

If you are working with SQL, you may have come across the term "master..spt_values" and wondered what it means. In short, "master..spt_values" is a system table in SQL Server that is used for a variety of purposes.

Purpose of master..spt_values

The primary purpose of "master..spt_values" is to provide a list of numbers and dates that can be used in queries. For example, if you need to generate a list of consecutive numbers or dates, you can use "master..spt_values" to do so.

Another use for "master..spt_values" is to provide a set of predefined constants that can be used in queries. For example, the "type" column in "master..spt_values" contains values such as "P" for "primary key" and "U" for "unique key". These values can be used in queries to identify the type of a particular column.

Meanings of Values in master..spt_values

The "master..spt_values" table contains a number of columns, each with its own set of values. Here are the meanings of some of the most commonly used values:

• number: a sequential number from 0 to 2047
• type: the type of column, such as "P" for "primary key" or "U" for "unique key"
• name: the name of the column
• low: the lowest value the column can contain
• high: the highest value the column can contain
• status: the status of the column

By understanding the purpose and meanings of "master..spt_values", you can use this system table to make your SQL queries more efficient and effective. Whether you need to generate a list of numbers or identify the type of a column, "master..spt_values" can provide the information you need.