How can I search all columns in a table?

Question

How can I search all columns of a table in SQL Server?

Answer 1

I don't believe there is any shortcut for this, you have to specify out the list of columns you wish to search. I would argue that if you find yourself trying to do this alot, you probably could improve upon the DB design.

SELECT * 
FROM MyTable 
WHERE Col1 LIKE '%foo%' OR 
      Col2 LIKE '%foo%' OR  
      Col3 LIKE '%foo%' OR 
      Col4 LIKE '%foo%' OR 
      Col5 LIKE '%foo%' OR 
      Col6 LIKE '%foo%'