How Can I Simulate the LIMIT Clause in Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Without ROW_NUMBER()?

Workarounds for the LIMIT Clause in Older Microsoft SQL Server Versions

Microsoft SQL Server 2000 lacked the ROW_NUMBER() function, making it difficult to replicate the LIMIT clause's functionality found in databases like MySQL. Several methods exist, each with drawbacks.

Nested queries using TOP are a common approach. However, this method fails when the desired range exceeds the total number of rows, causing pagination errors, especially on the final "page."

Another technique relies on a unique column within the table. This is inherently limited, as it depends on the existence of a suitable unique identifier.

For SQL Server 2005 and later, the EXCEPT statement offers a more robust solution. This involves combining nested queries with the EXCEPT operator to filter out the initial rows, effectively achieving the desired subset.

Illustrative Example: To retrieve rows 50 through 75:

SELECT * FROM (
    SELECT TOP 75 COL1, COL2
    FROM MYTABLE ORDER BY COL3
) AS foo
EXCEPT
SELECT * FROM (
    SELECT TOP 50 COL1, COL2
    FROM MYTABLE ORDER BY COL3
) AS bar;

In summary, while workarounds exist for mimicking LIMIT in SQL Server 2000, none perfectly replicate its behavior without compromises or reliance on additional features. For versions supporting ROW_NUMBER() (SQL Server 2005 and later), using that function is the recommended and most effective method.

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