Why Should I Avoid Using Reserved Words as Table Names in MS SQL Server?

Best Practices: Avoiding Reserved Words in MS SQL Server Table Names

Using reserved keywords or system table names for your tables in MS SQL Server is strongly advised against. While seemingly convenient, using keywords like "User" as a table name can create significant problems.

Reserved keywords are integral to SQL's structure and have specific functions within the database engine. Employing them as table names can lead to query execution errors and unpredictable database behavior. For example, "User" is a reserved keyword for managing user permissions and data; naming a table "User" could cause SQL Server to misinterpret queries, leading to inaccurate results.

Many common words, including "select," "update," and "insert," are on the extensive list of reserved keywords. Using these as table names makes your code difficult to understand and prone to errors. SQL Server Management Studio often highlights reserved words (typically in pink) to signal their special status.

To prevent these issues, always use unique and descriptive table names that don't clash with reserved words. Use prefixes or suffixes to clearly differentiate your tables from system objects. For instance, instead of "User," consider "tblUser" or "UsersTable."

Maintaining database integrity and performance depends on following naming conventions and avoiding reserved words. Adhering to best practices prevents problems and ensures your tables function correctly.

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