Check if table exists and if it doesn't exist, create it in SQL Server 2008

Question

I am writing a Stored procedure in SQL Server 2008. I need to check if a table exists in the database. If it doesn\'t then I need to create it.

How do I do this?

Answer 1

Try the following statement to check for existence of a table in the database:

If not exists (select name from sysobjects where name = 'tablename')

You may create the table inside the if block.

Answer 2

Declare @Username varchar(20)
Set @Username = 'Mike'

if not exists 
(Select * from INFORMATION_SCHEMA.TABLES where TABLE_NAME = 'tblEmp')

Begin
    Create table tblEmp (ID int primary key, Name varchar(50))
    Print (@Username + ' Table created successfully')
End

Else

Begin
    Print (@Username + ' : this Table Already exists in the database')
End