Understanding SQL Server Synonym: Everything Dev Needs to Know

As a developer, it is imperative that you have a clear understanding of SQL Server Synonyms. In this article, we will take you through the basics of SQL Server Synonyms, how they work, when to use them and everything in between. So, let’s get started!

What is SQL Server Synonym?

Before we dive into the details of SQL Server Synonyms, let’s take a moment to understand what it really means. Simply put, a synonym is an alternative name for an object in the database. It can refer to a table, view, stored procedure or any other database object. The synonym serves as a pointer to the original object, which could be either in the same database or a remote database.

SQL Server Synonyms are useful when you need to refer to an object in the database using a different name. It eliminates the need to use the original name repeatedly, making the code more readable and manageable.

When to Use SQL Server Synonym?

There are several scenarios where SQL Server Synonyms can prove to be useful. Some of them are:

• When you have a complex table/view name and want to simplify it for easy reference
• When you want to change the name of a table/view without breaking the existing code
• When you want to access an object in a remote server/database without specifying the full path
• When you want to reference a common table from multiple databases without using fully qualified names

Now that we have a basic understanding of SQL Server Synonyms and their usage, let’s explore how they work.

How SQL Server Synonym Works?

When you create a synonym, it points to the original object in the database. The synonym is stored in the same database as the original object, and it is accessed through the same security context. When a query is executed against the synonym, it is actually executed against the original object.

It is important to note that SQL Server Synonyms do not create a copy of the object, nor do they inherit any properties or attributes of the original object. They simply act as a pointer to the original object, allowing you to reference it using a different name.

Creating a SQL Server Synonym

Creating a SQL Server Synonym is fairly simple. It can be done using the CREATE SYNONYM command, followed by the synonym name and the object name it is referring to.

Here’s an example:

Once you have created a synonym, you can reference it using the synonym name instead of the original object name.

Benefits of SQL Server Synonyms

SQL Server Synonyms offer several benefits, which include:

• Reduced complexity and improved readability of code
• Flexibility to rename or move objects without affecting the application code
• Easy access to remote objects without the need to specify the full path
• Increased security by controlling access to objects through synonyms

FAQs about SQL Server Synonym

1. Can a synonym refer to an object in a different database?

Yes, a synonym can refer to an object in a different database. In this case, you need to specify the database name along with the object name when creating the synonym.

2. How do I drop a SQL Server Synonym?

You can drop a SQL Server Synonym using the DROP SYNONYM command, followed by the synonym name.

3. Can synonyms be used to reference temporary tables?

Yes, synonyms can be used to reference temporary tables. However, the synonym needs to be created within the same scope as the temporary table.

4. Can a synonym be used to reference a view?

Yes, a synonym can be used to reference a view. In fact, it can be used to reference any database object.

5. Can I create a synonym for a synonym?

Yes, you can create a synonym for a synonym. However, it is not recommended to do so, as it could lead to confusion and affect the performance of your code.

Conclusion

SQL Server Synonyms are a powerful feature that can simplify your code, increase flexibility, and improve security. As a developer, it is important to have a clear understanding of how they work and when to use them. We hope this article has provided you with the necessary information to get started with SQL Server Synonyms.