Empty statement in T-SQL

Question

Is there an empty statement keyword in T-SQL in Sql Server 2005 or newer? Something like NULL statement in PL/SQL.

Answer 1

ugly happens sometimes. I believe their is a valid use. In a lengthy/complicated decision branching structure with several if else statements, some of those statements may contain conditions in which you specifically desire no action. You also don't want those condition falling thru do the default else, where certain work is done. In that case, it's a valid use.

Here are two ways to do this - see B and C

Declare @status as char(1) 
set @status = 'D'

If (@status = 'A')
    select 'Great!'

Else if (@status = 'B')
begin
    if null=null select null -- predicate never resolves true
end

Else if (@status = 'C')
    set @status = @status  -- set a variable to itself 

Else
    select 'Needs work!'

Note, this is an over-simplified example. It is best used for readability when conditions are complex.