Distinguishing between a string full of spaces and an empty string 2

[RebLazer]

How is it possible in SQL Server 2000 to distinguish between an empty string and one full of spaces (i.e. " &quot? For example, when I do

[tt]
set @qstr = case
when @first_nm = '-1 [NULL]' then @qstr + 'cnt_first_nm = NULL, '
when @first_nm <> '' then @qstr + 'cnt_first_nm = ''' + @first_nm + ''', '
else @qstr
end[/tt]

and @first_nm = &quot; &quot;, it executes the &quot;else&quot;, not the second &quot;when&quot; like I want it to!

Thanks so much,
Lazer

 

[MAK9974]

did you consider using DATALENGTH ( expression ) and isnull() ?

 

[RebLazer]

Mak,

Thanks for your very quick reply!

Perhaps I do not understand what you mean. I don't know how many spaces there are so that I could predict the DATALENGTH.

Could you explain that a bit?

Thanks very much,
Lazer

 

[ClaireHCM]

It seemd you are trying to execute @qstr?
Maybe you need to be more specific,
(1)what is @qstr
(2)Do you need to ge tthe string length or someother?
(3)can you show the execute sentence?why you said @first_nm only execute the else?

Provide the essential info is very important.Instead of staying in question loop.
(But not post the whole query)

 

[tlbroadbent]

Change @first_nm <> '' to Len(@first_nm) > 0.

If you want to get the best answer for your question read faq183-874 and faq183-3179.
Terry L. Broadbent - DBA
SQL Server Page:

http://tlbroadbent.home.attbi.com/sql/sql_articles.htm

 

[RebLazer]

Thanks, Terry (and Claire, too!)!

Lazer