SQL update query using joins

Question

I have to update a field with a value which is returned by a join of 3 tables.

Example:

select
    im.itemid
    ,im.sku as iSku
    ,gm.SKU as GSKU         


        

Answer 1

One of the easiest way is to use a common table expression (since you're already on SQL 2005):

with cte as (
select
    im.itemid
    ,im.sku as iSku
    ,gm.SKU as GSKU
    ,mm.ManufacturerId as ManuId
    ,mm.ManufacturerName
    ,im.mf_item_number
    ,mm.ManufacturerID
    , 
from 
    item_master im, group_master gm, Manufacturer_Master mm 
where
    im.mf_item_number like 'STA%'
    and im.sku=gm.sku
    and gm.ManufacturerID = mm.ManufacturerID
    and gm.manufacturerID=34)
update cte set mf_item_number = 

The query execution engine will figure out on its own how to update the record.