How would you implement sequences in Microsoft SQL Server?

Question

Does anyone have a good way of implementing something like a sequence in SQL server?

Sometimes you just don't want to use a GUID, besides the fact that they are ugly as heck. Maybe the sequence you want isn't numeric? Besides, inserting a row and then asking the DB what the number is just seems so hackish.

Answer 1

Sql Server 2012 has introduced SEQUENCE objects, which allow you to generate sequential numeric values not associated with any table.

Creating them are easy:

CREATE SEQUENCE Schema.SequenceName
AS int
INCREMENT BY 1 ;

An example of using them before insertion:

DECLARE @NextID int ;
SET @NextID = NEXT VALUE FOR Schema.SequenceName;
-- Some work happens
INSERT Schema.Orders (OrderID, Name, Qty)
  VALUES (@NextID, 'Rim', 2) ;

See my blog for an in-depth look at how to use sequences:

http://sqljunkieshare.com/2011/12/11/sequences-in-sql-server-2012-implementingmanaging-performance/