Rules Wizard (SQL Server)
Go Up to Microsoft SQL Server Object Wizards
Rules promote data integrity by allowing you to validate the values supplied to a table column. They are reusable objects that you can bind to table columns or user datatypes. Check constraints are similar to rules, and are in fact the preferred way of restricting data. A column or user-defined data type can have only one rule bound to it, but a column can have both a rule and one or more check constraints associated with it. Not that a rule cannot apply to data already existing in the database at the time you’re creating the rule and can’t be bound to a system-created data type. If you create a new rule when one already exists, the new rule will override the previous one.
To create a new rule using a wizard:
- Open a creation wizard for a rule. For details, see Opening an Object Wizard.
- Use the following topics as a guide to setting properties and performing tasks as you pass through the wizard panels:
- Properties panel - Rules (SQL Server) - Properties.
- Dependencies panel - Rules (SQL Server) - Dependencies.
- DDL View panel - for details, see Previewing the DDL Generated to Create the New Object.
- Finally, use the Execute button to create the object.
Rules (SQL Server) - Properties
When creating or editing a rule, this tab/panel lets you work with the following settings:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
|
Owner |
Select the Owner of the rule. |
|
Name |
Provide a name for the rule. |
|
Restriction |
Type the condition. The rule restriction is the condition that defines the rule and can be any expression valid in a WHERE clause and can include such elements as arithmetic operators, relational operators, and predicates (for example, IN, LIKE, BETWEEN). |
Rules (SQL Server) - Dependencies
From the Type dropdown, choose Column or Datatype, and if you chose Column, choose a Table from the Table dropdown. The list on the left is populated with candidate columns or datatypes. To move a candidate from the list on the left to the dependencies column on the right, select the candidate and click Add. Remove columns or datatypes from the dependencies list on the right by selecting the column or datatype and clicking Remove.