Sql cursor An explicit cursor is a named pointer to a private SQL area that stores information for processing a specific query or DML statement—typically, one that returns or affects multiple rows. Insert some dummy records into the created table for demonstrations. Use a cursor to handle the result set of a SELECT statement. The syntax is as in embedded SQL. Mar 22, 2019 · We'll look at some alternatives to using SQL cursors such as table variables and temporary tables - which can help avoid cursor-related performance issues Cursors can not only be used to fetch data from the DBMS into an application but also to identify a row in a table to be updated or deleted. Requirement of Example Create a Temporary table for students. Oct 23, 2024 · Among these features, PL/SQL facilitates efficient data processing with cursors, which handle query results one row at a time. By using the same mechanics, a SQL procedure can also define a result set and return it directly to the caller of the SQL procedure or to a client application. A cursor in SQL is a database object that allows row-by-row processing of query results. Relate it to the data that the query expression requests or to the operation that your procedural code performs on the data. To do this, the application selects the cursor's scrollability (by setting the SQL_ATTR_CURSOR_SCROLLABLE statement attribute) and sensitivity (by setting the SQL_ATTR_CURSOR_SENSITIVITY statement attribute Oct 23, 2024 · Step 5: Verifying the Data Conclusion Introduction In SQL Server, there are scenarios where you may need to loop through the results of a SELECT query and perform actions on each row, such as inserting data into another table. Oct 14, 2022 · Learn about Scroll Cursors in SQL Server and how they can be used to selectively pick a row from the cursor instead of looping through row by row. Ideal for beginners and database professionals. Unlike explicit cursors, cursor variables allow the definition of a cursor without specifying the SQL query at compile-time. Learn cursor types, implementation, performance considerations, and alternatives across SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Oracle. 2. In this article, we will In this example cursor statement, the SQL database just prints the customer's ID. cursor is a required parameter that calls for an int input value. For the below to work your server will have to be using global cursors. However, they quickly discovered that the cursor was causing significant performance issues, with the query taking several minutes to complete, even on a well-tuned server. · A cursor contains information on the statement executed and the rows of data accessed by it. It acts as a loop just like the looping mechanism found in any other programming language like C#, VB. Example: 6 days ago · Cursor Functions (Transact-SQL)Applies to: SQL Server Azure SQL Database Azure SQL Managed Instance SQL database in Microsoft Fabric These scalar functions return information about cursors: @@CURSOR_ROWS @@FETCH_STATUS CURSOR_STATUS All cursor functions are nondeterministic. The sample sql cursor codes below illustrates a process of merging duplicate customer records kept in an application database. What is a MySQL Cursor A MySQL cursor is a database object that enables the end-user to Master SQL Server Cursors like a pro with this comprehensive guide packed with examples. SQL cursor is one of the most popular database objects. May 30, 2024 · In this article, we look at various ways to avoid cursors by using set-based operations with OUTPUT and MERGE to ensure your SQL code can scale. Before you can use a cursor, you need to declare it. Explain the cursor With an Example. They exist in SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and likely many other databases. Sample: SQL Cursor in RPGLE Build SQL Statement – Have a sql statement in a string. Sep 24, 2023 · A SQL 'CURSOR' is a database object that retrieves rows from a result set, one row at a time. Nov 3, 2016 · Before I go any further: Yes, I know that cursors perform poorly compared with set-based operations. Mar 11, 2015 · Here is our simple cursor example showing both FAST_FORWARD and FORWARD_ONLY cursors. Dec 30, 2024 · In this tutorial, we're going to dive into cursors and temporary tables in SQL server and explore how to use and create temporary tables and cursors in SQL. You can fetch cursor rows and perform operations on them in a loop just like using any looping mechanism found in any other programming language. Jul 3, 2023 · The original T-SQL code they were using used a cursor to loop through each row of the table, split the text into individual words, and count the occurrences of each word. Aug 21, 2025 · Learn Cursor in SQL with its types, syntax, usage examples, key benefits, and best practices for efficiently processing data row by row. Jan 10, 2024 · SQL Server static cursors are always read-only. In embedded SQL, a cursor must be explicitly declared and opened before it can be used. Mar 22, 2024 · In this tutorial, we will show you how to use PL/pgSQL Cursor and give you some practical examples of using PL/pgSQL cursor. In this article, we will review how to create a cursor and different attributes used while declaring a cursor. See examples of cursor operations, such as creating a procedure, deleting and updating rows with a cursor. Jun 25, 2024 · Learn about the different cursor types you can use for your application queries and when to use them. What is an SQL Cursor? A cursor in SQL is an object in database code that lets you process rows individually, or "traverse" over the rows 6 days ago · Transact-SQL cursors and API cursors have different syntax, but the following general process is used with all SQL Server cursors: Associate a cursor with the result set of a Transact-SQL statement, and define characteristics of the cursor, such as whether the rows in the cursor can be updated. Jul 23, 2025 · A MySQL cursor is a powerful database object designed for retrieving, processing, and managing rows from a result set one at a time. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to utilize cursors effectively in your applications. Introduction To retrieve data from the results of a query, you can use a cursor. Your application program can use a cursor to retrieve rows from a table. Includes syntax, usage scenarios, and real-world examples. Fetch the data into local variables as needed from the cursor, one row at a time. Dec 27, 2023 · Cursors are an important, yet often misunderstood concept in SQL Server. In other words, these functions do not always return the same results each time they execute, even with the same set of The cursor FOR LOOP statement implicitly declares its loop index as a record variable of the row type that a specified cursor returns, and then opens a cursor. Dec 13, 2024 · What are Cursors in SQL? In SQL, a cursor is a database object used to fetch, manipulate, and move through a result set row by row. They are treated as references to the result set derived from an SQL query. Learn how to declare, open, fetch, close and deallocate cursors in SQL Server using T-SQL statements. Cursors have these properties: IBM Documentation provides comprehensive resources and guides for IBM products, helping users access essential information for effective utilization. Jul 31, 2020 · SQL Server Tutorials By Pradeep Raturi- A SQL cursor is a database object that is used to retrieve data from a result set one row at a time. Apr 29, 2025 · A Cursor is an object used to execute SQL queries on an SQLite database. May 22, 2016 · This tutorial will explain about what is Cursor in SQL Server, the syntax for writing Cursors in SQL Server, write and use Cursors in SQL Server and disadvantages of a Cursor in SQL Server. 6 days ago · When the Transact-SQL DECLARE cursor extensions are used, these rules apply: If either FORWARD_ONLY or FAST_FORWARD is specified, NEXT is the only FETCH option supported. In SQL Server, a cursor is a database object that enables us to retrieve and modify data from individual rows one at a time. Learn when and how to effectively utilize cursors in SQL to navigate through result sets. In this video you'll learn how to declare a cursor and how to make it step through a set of records. Explain the Life Cycle of the cursor. You will probably want to perform some other action on your data, but this cursor statement is just an example of how you can use a cursor to manipulate data. Jun 4, 2014 · This article provides an explanation for what SQL Server cursors can be used , as well as a basic example that you can run for yourself to test. Jun 22, 2020 · SQL Server cursors are one common topic on the Internet. We can use cursors when we want to do data manipulation operations like update, delete and etc on a SQL Server database table in a singleton fashion in In SQL procedures, a cursor makes it possible to define a result set (a set of data rows) and perform complex logic on a row by row basis. Unlike standard SQL queries that handle sets of rows in bulk, cursors allow for detailed row-by-row operations. This tutorial introduces you the PL/SQL cursor FOR LOOP statement and show you how to fetch and process every record from a cursor. Net, C, C++, Java and etc. May 27, 2025 · Comparison of SQL loop through table row options with a SQL Server Cursor versus a While Loop. Consider use "is it a best practice to use while loop vs Cursor?" for title as it's more clear and will appeal to more user for later use. 6 days ago · Cursors (Transact-SQL) Applies to: SQL Server Azure SQL Database Azure SQL Managed Instance SQL database in Microsoft Fabric Microsoft SQL Server statements produce a complete result set, but there are times when the results are best processed one row at a time. CLOSE leaves the data structures available for reopening, but fetches and positioned updates are not allowed until the cursor is Jun 20, 2025 · What a database cursor is, why it's used in DBMS, its types, and how to use cursors in SQL with examples. Jun 9, 2023 · SQL Server cursors presentation, understanding their importance, types, practical use cases, and best practices with real-world examples. Also learn about Strings in PL SQL. 3. Jun 25, 2024 · Cursor Characteristics and Cursor TypeAn application can specify the characteristics of a cursor instead of specifying the cursor type (forward-only, static, keyset-driven, or dynamic). While SQL excels at set-based operations, there are scenarios that … Mar 29, 2019 · The cursor name uniquely identifies a cursor, so it must be unlike that of any other cursor name in the current module or compilation unit. Main problem is about changing the index of rows to 1,2,3. A cursor in SQL Server is a database object that reads one row at a time. There are many related objects needed to use a cursor such as @@FETCH_STATUS function. Step-by-step guide with examples for creating, querying, and managing SQLite databases. See Use of Cursors in PL/SQL Programs. For more information, see the Remarks section. Learn what SQL cursors are and how to use them to process rows one at a time. But what is an SQL cursor and how do you use them? Let's learn all about them in this guide. You can use SQL statements that you include in a COBOL program to define and use non-scrollable cursor for row-positioned updates, scrollable cursors to retrieve rows backward, non-scrollable cursors for rowset-positioned updates, and scrollable cursors for rowset-positioned operations. Examples in this section cover the following: Fetching Values Using the %ROWCOUNT and %NOTFOUND Attributes Using Cursor FOR Loops See Explicit Cursor Attributes in Oracle Database PL/SQL Language Reference for information about the cursor attributes used in these examples. Generate/Update student enrollment numbers based on the branch, year, and student roll no using the MySQL supports cursors inside stored programs. Dec 19, 2024 · Master SQL cursors for row-by-row processing. Can I simply reset cursor's position to the beginning in Transact-SQL, so it can run again over the table? I want to reset it in the following context: This tutorial introduces you to the PL/SQL cursor and how to use it effectively to fetch data from a table. Keyset-driven cursors have the membership and order of rows in the result set fixed when the cursor is opened. To do this, the application selects the cursor's scrollability (by setting the SQL_ATTR_CURSOR_SCROLLABLE statement attribute) and sensitivity (by setting the SQL_ATTR_CURSOR_SENSITIVITY statement attribute Developer Snowflake Scripting Developer Guide Cursors Working with cursors You can use a cursor to iterate through query results one row at a time. 6 days ago · CLOSE (Transact-SQL)Applies to: SQL Server Azure SQL Database Azure SQL Managed Instance SQL database in Microsoft Fabric Closes an open cursor by releasing the current result set and freeing any cursor locks held on the rows on which the cursor is positioned. While most SQL operations are designed to act on the whole result set at once, set-based processing cursors enable the processing of one row at a time, row-by-row processing. Explore types of cursors and how to create a cursor now! A cursor is a pointer to a private SQL area that stores information about processing a specific SELECT or DML statement. (This is the equivalent action to the SQL command DECLARE CURSOR. Aug 21, 2023 · SQL Server Cursor Structured Query Language (SQL) is a powerful tool for managing and manipulating data in relational databases. Sep 25, 2018 · To use cursors in SQL procedures, you need to do the following: 1. If the SQL statement is bigger- i. Cursors have these properties: In this blog post, we are going to provide you help for understanding cursors and replacing them with JOINs in SQL Server. Close the cursor when done. for ex: A Note on Cursor Performance Before we talk about how to use cursors it's worth mentioning something about their performance: cursors are s-l-o-w! Processing one record at a time will never be as fast as an equivalent set-based operation; if speed is important then cursors are not the tools you should be using. Aug 31, 2021 · In this story we will cover what cursors are and the basic syntax around cursors. Oct 29, 2025 · Cursors in SQL Server So, what is a TSQL cursor? SQL Cursor is a database object that is used to manipulate data in a set, in row-by-row processing (or one row at the time). Oct 7, 2015 · I don't understand the meaning of following lines: WHILE 1 = 1 BEGIN FETCH NEXT FROM SomeCursor INTO @SomeId, @SomeOtherColumn IF @@FETCH_STATUS <> 0 BREAK What are the Mar 23, 2019 · First published on MSDN on Mar 18, 2008 You have probably heard many times, from different sources, that as a best practice; avoid using TSQL cursors. May 8, 2019 · A SQL Server cursor is a database object that is used to process the data in a set row by row. Mar 11, 2019 · In this article we will go through the basics of SQL cursors and will show its pros and cons. The result is a printout of your customer IDs in Texas. I am trying to retrieve data from an SQL server using pyodbc and print it in a table using Python. Sometimes the application logic needs to work with a row at a time rather than the entire result set at once. e more than 1000… · A cursor is a temporary result set area created in the system memory when an embedded SQL statement is executed. It temporarily stores data for operations like SELECT, UPDATE, or DELETE. May 3, 2020 · What are the steps to use embedded SQL- Cursor to fetch records? 1- Prepare Statement 2 -Declare Cursor 3- Open Cursor 4- Fetch Cursor 5- Close Cursor. Learn how to efficiently use cursors, avoid common pitfalls, and optimize performance for better database management. 142 A cursor will only accept a select statement, so if the SQL really needs to be dynamic make the declare cursor part of the statement you are executing. Because a static server cursor is built as a work table in tempdb, the size of the cursor result set cannot exceed the maximum row size allowed by SQL Server. The declaration Oct 23, 2024 · Step 5: Verifying the Data Conclusion Introduction In SQL Server, there are scenarios where you may need to loop through the results of a SELECT query and perform actions on each row, such as inserting data into another table. 6 days ago · Opens a Transact-SQL server cursor and populates the cursor by executing the Transact-SQL statement specified on the DECLARE CURSOR or SET cursor_variable statement. Nov 13, 2025 · However, ECPG, the embedded SQL preprocessor for PostgreSQL, supports the standard SQL cursor conventions, including those involving DECLARE and OPEN statements. Mar 23, 2019 · First published on MSDN on Aug 12, 2009 SQL Server's server cursor model is a critical tool to many application writers. Nov 13, 2025 · Before a cursor can be used to retrieve rows, it must be opened. Even if the cursor is not recommended from a performance perspective, they are still widely used especially when handling a small amount of data. MySQL supports cursors inside stored programs. Explore the power of cursors in SQL Server with practical examples and real-time scenarios. We will introduce you to PL/SQL cursor. Instead of the T-SQL commands which operate on ALL the rows in the result set. In this article, We will learn about MySQL Cursors in detail. This detailed tutorial teaches everything about cursors in SQL Server. Such statements do not use a regular WHERE clause with predicates. e. ODBC applications rarely declare and open cursors or use any cursor-related Transact-SQL statements. In T-SQL, doing this is using a SQL CURSOR. To use a cursor, do the following: In the DECLARE section, declare the cursor. Instead, a cursor identifies the row. It is used to retrieve data from the result set of an SQL query one row at a time. It is created after establishing a connection to the SQLite database. Sep 28, 2025 · A SQL Server cursor is a set of T-SQL logic that loops over a predetermined number of rows one at a time. It always goes together with a SELECT statement. Opening a cursor on a result set allows processing the result set one row at a time. The PL/SQL Cursor FOR LOOP simplifies cursor management by automatically handling the fetching and looping through each row of the result set. Apr 1, 2025 · This tutorial explains what is a PL SQL Cursor, Implicit and Explicit Cursors, cursor for loop, etc. Jan 28, 2025 · Unlock the potential of SQL cursors with practical examples and in-depth insights. One notable difference between these models is the way cursors are opened. You’ll find different opinions when to use them and when not to do it. Sep 18, 2025 · Cursors in SQL Server are database objects used to retrieve data from a result set one row at a time, instead of the T-SQL commands that operate on all the rows in the result set at one time. Sqltmt 32766. Typically, it consists of a set of SQL statements that iterate t Jun 20, 2025 · What a database cursor is, why it's used in DBMS, its types, and how to use cursors in SQL with examples. Oracle PL/SQL Cursor-based records are a type of data structure that allows for efficient retrieval and manipulation of data stored in a database table. The purpose of the cursor may be to update one row at a time or perform an administrative process, such as SQL Server database backups, in a sequential manner. Typically, it consists of a set of SQL statements that iterate t Aug 21, 2025 · Learn Cursor in SQL with its types, syntax, usage examples, key benefits, and best practices for efficiently processing data row by row. where contact-id and type is the same. See full list on sqlservertutorial. Aug 1, 2019 · Using SQL 2005 / 2008 I have to use a forward cursor, but I don't want to suffer poor performance. A cursor is a mechanism that points to one or more rows in a set of rows. This allows Transact-SQL batches, stored procedures, and triggers to work with the output one row at a time. Learn how to optimize performance and efficiency. In this tutorial, we will walk through the following A cursor variable declared in a PL/SQL host environment and passed to PL/SQL as a bind variable. Jun 23, 2025 · A handle value generated by SQL Server and returned by sp_cursoropen. Perfect for SQL developers! Jun 26, 2013 · As in the topic. but all columns can contain exactly the same data because of some ex-employee messed up and update Nov 22, 2017 · sp_cursor_list returns its report as a Transact-SQL cursor output parameter, not as a result set. Also we will look at some special purposes for which SQL cursors can be used. It is essentially a control structure used for traversal over the records in a database. However, I can only seem to retrieve the column name and the data type and stuff like that, not the Oracle PL/SQL Cursor-based records are a type of data structure that allows for efficient retrieval and manipulation of data stored in a database table. A FAST_FORWARD cursor in SQL Server is a type of forward-only, read-only cursor that is designed for optimal performance when you simply need to iterate through a result set. […] Sep 24, 2024 · In SQL, cursors are a powerful tool for sequential access to query results. Creating cursor Below are the steps involved in creating a cursor. net Aug 4, 2025 · A cursor in SQL is a database object used to process data one row at a time, useful when row-by-row handling is needed instead of bulk processing. TimesTen supports cursors. Optimize your SQL queries today! Jan 30, 2013 · I need a cursor for the below query so I can loop through to fetch/update/insert some other data. Dec 22, 2024 · Learn how to use Python SQLite3 cursor() method to execute SQL statements. ) PL/pgSQL has three forms of the OPEN statement, two of which use unbound cursor variables while the third uses a bound cursor variable. Jan 1, 2007 · UPDATE: For working example using AdventureWorks visit : SQL SERVER – Simple Example of Cursor – Sample Cursor Part 2 This is the simplest example of the SQL Server Cursor. Mar 27, 2025 · SQL Server cursor variables can be used to share data between stored procedures as input or output (but not both), despite documentation hints otherwise. 6 days ago · Defines the attributes of a Transact-SQL server cursor, such as its scrolling behavior and the query used to build the result set on which the cursor operates. Nothing more than a row pointer is what a cursor actually is. This tutorial covers cursor declaration, fetching, and looping with simple examples. It acts as a middleware between the SQLite database connection and the SQL commands. In this particular case I'm running a cursor on a temporary table of 100 or so records, and that Mar 19, 2014 · The MCTS prep manual for SQL Server 2008 that I'm studying recommends using external CLR code anywhere that a CURSOR would be required in T-SQL, especially now that SQL Server 2008 supports custom aggregate functions. Jul 6, 2020 · Cursors are a feature in many SQL databases that allow you to work with data. A SQL cursor is used when the data needs to be updated row by row. The characteristics of the cursors are controlled by statement attributes set with SQLSetStmtAttr before the SQL statement is executed. SQL Server provides a powerful mechanism for this using cursors. Declare a cursor that defines a result set. Jun 23, 2025 · Cursor stored procedures (Transact-SQL) Applies to: SQL Server SQL Server supports the following system stored procedures that implement cursor variable functionality. Jan 20, 2012 · I am trying to loop through a table using a cursor: DEClARE @ProjectOID as nvarchar (100) DECLARE @TaskOID as nvarchar (100) DECLARE TaskOID_Cursor FOR SELECT TaskOID FROM ProjectOID_Temp OPEN Jul 21, 2024 · Table of Contents Explain What is a cursor in SQL Server? Explain the Use of the cursors. The rows are retrieved from a table or in a result set that is returned by a stored procedure. Can somebody help me with this? DECLARE @FROMDATE DATETIME DECLARE @TODATE DATETIME SELECT @FRO A Cursor is a SQL Server database object that is used to manipulate data in a result set on a row-by-row basis. Have you ever wondered how to retrieve data in cursors for sequential manipulation? The answer is SQL FETCH! This statement allows you to retrieve data in database cursors, opening the door to row-by-row processing of result sets. Jun 9, 2021 · A cursor will iterate through rows of a result set, one by one, performing work on each row until there are no more rows in the result set. Cursors, on the other hand, allow you to process a set of records one row at a time. Jan 10, 2024 · Positioned updates. To iterate over the rows in the results, you can use a cursor in loops. Open the cursor to establish the result set. SQL cursors Jul 23, 2025 · What is Cursor Variable with REF CURSOR? Cursor variables in PL/SQL provide a means to work with dynamic SQL queries and results. The datatype of the host cursor variable is compatible with the return type of any PL/SQL cursor variable. Also, why would you want to use a database base cursor rather than a query? Learn about SQL Server fast-forward cursors their performance implications and best practices for efficient database operations. Apr 4, 2023 · SQL Server cursors are database objects used to manipulate data in a set on a row-by-row basis. The SQL:2003 standard defines positioned update and positioned delete SQL statements for that purpose. 2008, 2008R2, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022. You will learn step by step how to use a cursor to loop through a set of rows and process each row individually. 6 days ago · cursor (Transact-SQL)Applies to: SQL Server Azure SQL Database Azure SQL Managed Instance SQL database in Microsoft Fabric A data type for variables or stored procedure OUTPUT parameters that contain a reference to a cursor. It enables you to iterate through a result set, perform operations on each row, and manage data more efficiently in certain scenarios. ODBC automatically opens a cursor for every result set returned from a SQL statement. Jul 23, 2024 · A cursor in SQL is a user-defined iterative variable that enables the user to access query results. What is a Cursor? A cursor in SQL Server allows you to iterate through and process the rows of a result set one by one. You'll see the results in your SQL editor. 6 days ago · In SQL programming, a cursor is a database object that lets you retrieve and manipulate data one row at a time, rather than working with entire result sets all at once. Oct 21, 2021 · Learn what is a database cursor, the different types of scrolling capabilities they can have, and how changes to a database table can affect data seen from within the cursor. Learn how to use SQL cursors to process rows one at a time. In ODBC, a cursor is implicitly opened when a statement that creates a result set is executed. e more than 1000… Aug 31, 2021 · In this story we will cover what cursors are and the basic syntax around cursors. 4. . To make your application more readable, give the SQL cursor a meaningful name. The sql codes may use t-sql codes so the sql cursor example may have differences than a typical pl/sql cursor or an Oracle cursor. Cursor is supported in following SQL Server versions i. Is there a faster way I can loop without using cursors? Jun 25, 2024 · The cursor model in ODBC is based on the cursor model in embedded SQL. wkmojarssgkmmpzynaujcxdgxfmuorwkopylesgnypzcpwvtavwjpfcspftvttfrfvsgspzym