sql use statement with variable

Question

I\'m trying to switch the current database with a SQL statement. I have tried the following, but all attempts failed:

1. USE @DatabaseName
2. EXEC sp_sqlexe

Answer 1

I have the same problem, I overcame it with an ugly -- but useful -- set of GOTOs.

The reason I call the "script runner" before everything is that I want to hide the complexity and ugly approach from any developer that just wants to work with the actual script. At the same time, I can make sure that the script is run in the two (extensible to three and more) databases in the exact same way.

GOTO ScriptRunner

ScriptExecutes:

--------------------ACTUAL SCRIPT--------------------
-------- Will be executed in DB1 and in DB2 ---------
--TODO: Your script right here

------------------ACTUAL SCRIPT ENDS-----------------

GOTO ScriptReturns

ScriptRunner:
    USE DB1
    GOTO ScriptExecutes

ScriptReturns:
    IF (db_name() = 'DB1')
    BEGIN
        USE DB2
        GOTO ScriptExecutes
    END

With this approach you get to keep your variables and SQL Server does not freak out if you happen to go over a DECLARE statement twice.

Answer 2

You can do this:

Declare @dbName nvarchar(max);
SET @dbName = 'TESTDB';

Declare @SQL nvarchar(max);
select @SQL = 'USE ' + @dbName +'; {can put command(s) here}';
EXEC (@SQL);

{but not here!}

This means you can do a recursive select like the following:

Declare @dbName nvarchar(max);
SET @dbName = 'TESTDB';
Declare @SQL nvarchar(max);

SELECT @SQL = 'USE ' + @dbName + '; ' +(Select ... {query here}
For XML Path(''),Type)
.value('text()[1]','nvarchar(max)');

Exec (@SQL)

Answer 3

   exec sp_execsql @Sql

The DB change only lasts for the time to complete @sql

http://blog.sqlauthority.com/2007/07/02/sql-server-2005-comparison-sp_executesql-vs-executeexec/

Answer 4

-- If you are using a variable for the database name. 
-- Try something like this. 

DECLARE @DBName varchar(50)
Set @DBName = 'Database1'; /*  could be passed in by a parameter. */

IF( @DBName = 'Database1')
Begin
    USE [Database1];
SELECT  FROM Table1;
End

IF( @DBName = 'Database2')
Begin
USE [Database2];
SELECT  FROM Table2;
End

IF( @DBName is null)
Begin
USE [Database1];
End