When working with an SQL Server database, one of the most important things to consider is the name of your database. This seemingly simple task can have a big impact on the functionality and organization of your database. But what makes a valid name for an SQL Server database? In this article, we will explore the valid characters that can be used in an SQL Server database name.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that an SQL Server database name can be up to 128 characters long. This allows for a lot of flexibility in choosing a name that accurately reflects the purpose of your database. However, not all characters are allowed in a database name. The following are the valid characters that can be used in an SQL Server database name:
1. Letters (a-z, A-Z)
2. Numbers (0-9)
3. Underscore (_)
4. Dollar sign ($)
5. Number sign (#)
6. At symbol (@)
7. Ampersand (&)
8. Percent sign (%)
9. Carat (^)
10. Exclamation point (!)
11. Asterisk (*)
12. Left and right parentheses (())
13. Minus sign (-)
14. Plus sign (+)
15. Equal sign (=)
16. Left and right curly brackets ({})
17. Left and right square brackets ([])
18. Pipe (|)
19. Tilde (~)
20. Period (.)
As you can see, there is a wide range of characters that can be used in an SQL Server database name. This allows for a lot of creativity and flexibility in naming your database. However, it is important to note that the name cannot start with a number or contain any spaces. It also cannot be a reserved keyword in SQL Server, such as SELECT, INSERT, or UPDATE.
Another important consideration when choosing a database name is to use characters that are easily readable and recognizable. This will make it easier for developers and administrators to work with the database and will help prevent any confusion or errors.
In addition to these valid characters, there are also some restrictions on the length of certain parts of the database name. For example, the name of the database cannot exceed 128 characters, but the individual components (schema, table, column) cannot exceed 128 characters as well. It is also recommended to keep the name of the database under 30 characters for easier management and maintenance.
It is worth noting that the use of special characters in an SQL Server database name is not limited to just the examples listed above. Other characters may be used as long as they do not conflict with the restrictions mentioned earlier. This includes characters from different languages and special characters, such as the copyright symbol (©) or the trademark symbol (™).
In conclusion, when choosing a name for an SQL Server database, it is important to consider the valid characters that can be used. These characters allow for a lot of flexibility and creativity in naming your database, but it is important to follow the restrictions and guidelines to ensure smooth functionality and organization. By using easily readable and recognizable characters, you can make your database more user-friendly and efficient.
