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Create Table Aliases (Visual Database Tools)

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Applies to: SQL Server

Aliases can make it easier to work with table names. Using aliases is helpful when:

  • You want to make the statement in the SQL Pane shorter and easier to read.

  • You refer to the table name often in your query - such as in qualifying column names - and want to be sure you stay within a specific character-length limit for your query. (Some databases impose a maximum length for queries.)

  • You are working with multiple instances of the same table (such as in a self-join) and need a way to refer to one instance or the other.

For example, you can create an alias "e" for a table name employee_information, and then refer to the table as "e" throughout the rest of the query.

To create an alias for a table or table-valued object

  1. Add the table or table-valued object to your query.

  2. In the Diagram Pane, right-click the object for which you want to create an alias, then select Properties from the shortcut menu.

  3. In the Properties window, enter the alias in the Alias field.

See Also

Add Tables to Queries (Visual Database Tools)
Sort and Group Query Results (Visual Database Tools)
Summarize Query Results (Visual Database Tools)
Perform Basic Operations with Queries (Visual Database Tools)