How to set a default row for a query that returns no rows?

Question

I need to know how to return a default row if no rows exist in a table. What would be the best way to do this? I\'m only returning a single column from this particular table

Answer 1

This would be eliminate the select query from running twice and be better for performance:

Declare @rate int

select 
    @rate = rate 
from 
    d_payment_index
where 
    fy = 2007
    and payment_year = 2008
    and program_id = 18

IF @@rowcount = 0
    Set @rate = 0

Select @rate 'rate'