How to check if a string is null or empty in SQL Server

June 1, 2015

The most elegant and simple solution I have come across and use is:

SELECT 
  ISNULL(NULLIF(VALUE_TO_CHECK, ''), FAILED_VALUE) AS [Your Alias]
FROM ...

VALUE_TO_CHECK is used if the string is not null or empty and the FAILED_VALUE is used if it is.

Tags: SQL

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I am the SVP of Engineering at CardFree working on building order ahead and contactless payment solutions.

Originally from Boston, but have been living in Denver for several years now. In my spare time I try to keep pace with my energentic golden, hike and ski, and occassionally post something interesting.