What's the Maximum Number of Values Allowed in SQL Server's IN Clause?

Exploring the Limits of the IN Clause in SQL Server

The IN clause allows developers to test a value against a list of expressions. However, this feature comes with a limitation in SQL Server regarding the number of values that can be included in the list.

The Question:

What is the precise limit for the number of values allowed in the IN clause?

The Answer:

Microsoft provides limited information, stating that the limit is "in the thousands." This ambiguity leaves developers with an uncertain understanding of the exact threshold.

Error Messages and Query Complexity:

Exceeding the limit can result in errors 8623 or 8632. These errors typically indicate that the query is overly complex due to an excessive number of values in the IN clause.

To avoid these errors, Microsoft recommends storing the values in a table and using a SELECT subquery within the IN clause.

Conclusion:

The limit for the number of values in the IN clause is unspecified but known to be in the thousands. To prevent errors related to query complexity, it is advisable to use subqueries for large lists of values.

The above is the detailed content of What's the Maximum Number of Values Allowed in SQL Server's IN Clause?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!