Field Order

[VAer]

Let us say, if a database table (not in Access, but in Sybase) has 3 fields (Field #1: ABC; Field #2: LMN; Field #3: XYZ).

If I use Select * From Table_name and copy the whole table to a excel spreadsheet, it turns out that field order is exactly correct: Column A is ABC; Column B is LMN; Column C is XYZ.

But to be safe, I prefer to use Select ABC, LMN, XYZ From Table_name, which should guaranteed the output result is in the order I expect (in case DBA modifies the field order in the database).

Comparing the two ways to pull data from server, is there any big difference? I mean code efficiency difference. Will second method take much longer?



In reality, the table has more than 40 fields, I need to pull 35 fields into excel spreadsheet. Is it a good idea to list all the 35 field names in Select statement? I don't mind to list them, since it is only one time deal, but my concern is more about code efficiency difference. Should I just copy the whole table from Sybase to Excel spredsheet first, then delete those columns from Excel spreadsheet? Or should I only copy those 35 fields into Excel sheet?


Code efficiency is my main concern.

Thanks.

[pbaldy]

Since you're pulling fewer fields than exist, it should actually be more efficient to list them out.

[VAer]

Since you're pulling fewer fields than exist, it should actually be more efficient to list them out.

I need majority of fields. The reason I was asking is that I don't know how the system works.

For example,
1) I copy all 40 columns from Sheet 1 to Sheet 2, then delete 5 columns from Sheet 2.
2) I copy one column at a time from Sheet 1 to Sheet 2, then I need to copy 35 times.

[pbaldy]

Pulling 35 fields is more efficient than pulling 40. I'd use the SQL to pull the 35. Not only is it more efficient, but you avoid the step of deleting the 5.

[VAer]

Pulling 35 fields is more efficient than pulling 40. I'd use the SQL to pull the 35. Not only is it more efficient, but you avoid the step of deleting the 5.

Thanks much.

[pbaldy]

No problem.

[VAer]

By the way, if a database table (not in Access, but in Sybase) has 3 fields (Field #1: ABC; Field #2: LMN; Field #3: XYZ).

If I use Select * From Table_name and copy the whole table to a excel spreadsheet, it turns out that field order is exactly correct: Column A is ABC; Column B is LMN; Column C is XYZ.

If I use Select XYZ, ABC From Table_name , will it guaranteed that column A is XYZ and column B is ABC?

Does Select XYZ, ABC From Table_name already set up the column order in the output result by writing first column immediately following Select, then 2nd column, 3rd column, ....?

Thanks.

[pbaldy]

In my experience, the fields are always returned in the order they appear in the SELECT clause.

[VAer]

In my experience, the fields are always returned in the order they appear in the SELECT clause.

Perfect. I am not familar with SQL.

Thanks for all the information.

[pbaldy]

Happy to help!