Should I use != or <> for not equal in T-SQL?

The Epic Battle of T-SQL: != vs. <>

Introduction 👋

Ah, T-SQL, the majestic language of databases. 🌟 But wait! ⚠️ There seems to be a dispute lurking in the shadows of the SQL realm. 😱 Which operator should you use for "not equal"? Is it != or <>? 🤔 Fear not, my fellow SQL enthusiasts! 🙌 In this blog post, we shall embark on an epic journey to uncover the truth and find the preferred syntax once and for all. Let the battle begin! ⚔️

The Battle Begins 🛡️

Our heroes are != and <>, and they both claim to be the one true operator for "not equal" in T-SQL. But who will emerge victorious? Let's break down the contenders and their arguments:

!=: The Bold One 🎩

Our first contender is the bold != operator. It stands tall, asserting its dominance with its clean and concise design. 💪 The != operator mirrors the "not equal" syntax commonly used in other programming languages like C#, Java, and JavaScript. 🌐 Its familiarity and simplicity make it an attractive choice for developers.

<>: The Nostalgic One 📚

Next up, we have the nostalgic <> operator. It holds a special place in the hearts of those who grew up in the era of Visual Basic. 🧓 While it might remind you of VBA syntax, its functionality remains the same in T-SQL. 📝 For those feeling nostalgic or working with legacy code, <> might have a certain charm.

The Chosen One 👑

Now, you might be wondering: Which operator should you use in your T-SQL code? The answer is simple: It doesn't matter! 🙅‍♀️ Wait, what? Yes, you heard that right. 🎶 This battle is irrelevant! 🎶

The != and <> operators are functionally equivalent in T-SQL. They both serve the noble purpose of comparing two values for inequality. Use whichever one floats your boat or aligns with your team's coding style. Consistency within your codebase is key! ✨

Best Practices and Consistency 📚

While we're on the subject, let's talk about some T-SQL best practices and maintaining consistency in your codebase. Consistency brings harmony to your code and makes it easier to read and understand. Here are some tips to help you achieve T-SQL Zen:

1. Choose one and stick with it: Whether you prefer != or <>, decide as a team or follow the established conventions of your project.

2. Document your choice: If your team has chosen a specific operator as the preferred syntax, document it in your coding guidelines or project documentation.

3. Refactor the existing codebase: If you're working on an existing project and encounter both != and <> operators, consider refactoring for consistency to improve code readability.

Conclusion 🏆

And there you have it, brave SQL warriors! The fight between != and <> for "not equal" supremacy in T-SQL boils down to a draw. Use whichever operator brings you joy and aligns with your coding conventions. Maintain consistency in your codebase and document your choice for future adventurers. 📝

Now, it's your turn! 🔥 Which operator do you prefer for "not equal" in T-SQL? Do you have any tips on maintaining consistency in SQL code? Share your thoughts and join the discussion below! Let's celebrate the T-SQL diversity together! 🎉