What does the N do in sp_attach_db?

[tsinvr]

This is probably a silly question, but I can not find the answer.

In the sp_attach_db command the books on line samples show that you put an N infront of variables, like this:

EXEC sp_attach_db @dbname = N'FIRE',
@filename1 = N'c:\Fire_RMS\FIRE.mdf'

What does the N mean?

Thanks.

Ted

 

[JamesLean]

An N in front of a string signifies unicode text.

--James

 

[SQLBill]

Ted,

What 'books'? I haven't seen that requirement in the SQL Server Books OnLine and I've never had to use the N' in a variable. As James says, that indicates unicode.

I have seen examples that show it for file paths, such as used in your last variable (N'C:\Fire_RMS\FIRE.mdf').

-SQLBill

Posting advice: FAQ481-4875