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Learn how to efficiently concatenate strings in SQL Server based on line numbers, creating grouped descriptions from multiple rows of data.
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How to Concatenate Strings in SQL Server by Line Numbers

In the world of databases, the ability to efficiently manipulate and present our data is crucial. One common challenge when working with SQL Server is the need to concatenate strings from multiple rows into a single, coherent result based on specific criteria. This post aims to tackle the problem of concatenating string descriptions according to their line numbers. We will explore a solution that utilizes SQL Server 2014 Standard, focusing on the use of XML PATH for this specific requirement.

The Problem

Imagine you have a dataset with financial transactions that include an amount and related descriptions stored in separate rows. Your goal is to combine these descriptions associated with the same transaction amount into a single line of text, ordered by line number. Here’s a snapshot of the input data you might encounter:

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The desired output after concatenation should look like this:

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The Solution

As it stands, SQL Server 2014 does not have a built-in function like STRING_AGG to concatenate strings easily. Instead, we can achieve the desired result using XML PATH. Below are the steps to implement this solution:

1. Set up a Temporary Table

We start by declaring a temporary table to store the data. This could represent your source data structure.

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2. Concatenate Descriptions

Next, we need to select the amounts and concatenate the descriptions using FOR XML PATH:

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3. Review the Results

When executed, this SQL query will yield the following output:

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This format now aligns with your original request, where the descriptions are neatly combined into a single line for each amount.

Conclusion

Concatenating strings by line numbers in SQL Server can be seamlessly accomplished using the FOR XML PATH method. While it might not be as straightforward as other built-in functions in later versions of SQL Server, this technique is efficient and effective when working with SQL Server 2014. By organizing and ordering your data correctly, you can derive meaningful insights and produce cleaner output for your reports.

If you have further questions or need assistance with SQL queries, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below. Happy querying!