Using SQL Server as a DB queue with multiple clients

Question

Given a table that is acting as a queue, how can I best configure the table/queries so that multiple clients process from the queue concurrently?

For example, the ta

Answer 1

Rather than using a boolean value for Processed you could use an int to define the state of the command:

1 = not processed
2 = in progress
3 = complete

Each worker would then get the next row with Processed = 1, update Processed to 2 then begin work. When work in complete Processed is updated to 3. This approach would also allow for extension of other Processed outcomes, for example rather than just defining that a worker is complet you may add new statuses for 'Completed Succesfully' and 'Completed with Errors'