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 snippet uses Common Table Expressions to reduce redundant code and to improve readability. It is a variation of John Baughman's answer.

The syntax is for SQL Server.

WITH products AS (
            SELECT prod_name,
                   price
              FROM Products_Table
             WHERE prod_name LIKE '%foo%'
     ),
     defaults AS (
            SELECT '-' AS prod_name,
                   0   AS price
     )

SELECT * FROM products
UNION ALL
SELECT * FROM defaults
 WHERE NOT EXISTS ( SELECT * FROM products );