What's the Most Efficient Method for Populating a Numbers Table?

In data management, digital tables are crucial for efficient operations. There are several methods to choose from when creating and populating such tables. The ideal approach would prioritize optimal indexing, ensure fast row generation, and use a simple code structure.

Method 1: Looping INSERTs

This is the most basic method, iteratively inserting rows into a table of numbers through a loop. However, this method is usually slower.

Method 2: Single INSERT Using NOT NULL Constraint (Single INSERT Using NOT NULL Constraint)

This method uses a single INSERT statement to generate a specified number of rows in a numeric table. By leveraging the non-null constraint, it avoids the use of loops and inserts values ​​with minimal overhead.

Method 3: Subquery-Based INSERT

This method uses a recursive subquery to generate an increasing sequence of numbers. The subquery is then used in an INSERT statement to efficiently populate the table of numbers.

Method 4: Semi-Looping INSERT Using GO (Semi-Looping INSERT Using GO)

This method combines a loop and an INSERT statement to populate a table of numbers. It uses a loop to insert a small number of rows and then uses an INSERT statement to insert the remaining rows.

Method 5: INSERT Using CTEs (Common Table Expressions)

This method leverages the power of CTE to create a subquery that generates a sequence of numbers. The CTE is then used in an INSERT statement to populate the number table in a single operation.

Method 6: INSERT Using Master Tables (spt_values)

This method uses the main table spt_values ​​to generate a sequence of numbers. Then, use a single INSERT statement to insert the resulting value into the numeric table.

Method 7: INSERT Using System Tables

This method uses the system table sys.objects or sys.columns to generate a sequence of numbers. Then, use an INSERT statement to efficiently populate the table of numbers.

After evaluating these methods based on criteria such as indexing, row generation speed, and code simplicity, Method seven emerged as the most effective method. Its ability to generate and insert rows quickly and its code structure is simple and straightforward, making it the best choice for creating and populating tables of numbers.

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