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Define SQL Server Functions

Use the SQL Server Function Editor to define a function for a model or table in a SQL Server 2005/2008 physical model.

To define a SQL Server function

1. Click Functions on the Database menu.

   The SQL Server Function Editor opens.

2. Select the function in the Navigation Grid that you want to define and work with the following options:

   Note: Click New on the toolbar to create a new function.

   Name

   Specifies the name of the function. Change the name of the function in this field.

   Type

   Specifies whether the function type is model-level or table-level. Select the type from the drop-down list.

   Schema

   Specifies the schema of the database to which the function belongs. Select the schema from the drop-down list.

   Attach To New

   Specifies to attach the selected function to each new table that you create. Clear the check box if you want to manually attach the function to new tables.

   Generate

   Generates SQL during forward engineering. Clear the check box if you do not want to generate SQL.

   Enabled

   Specifies to enable the function in the database.

3. Click the General tab and work with the following options:

   'Function_Name' Function Type

   Specifies the type of function and its associated values. Select one of the following function types from the drop-down list:

   Scalar Function

   Specifies the scalar function type, which returns a single data value. When you select Scalar Function, you can use the Null Input, Return Data Type, Encryption, and Schema Binding options that populate the grid to further define the function.

   Inline Table Function

   Specifies the inline table-valued function type, which returns a result set of single SELECT statement. When you select Inline Table Function, you can use the Null Input, Encryption, and Schema Binding options that populate the grid to further define the function.

   Multistatement Table Function

   Specifies the multi-statement table-valued function type, which returns a result set in table form, which was built from multiple statements. When you select Multistatement Table Function, you can use the Null Input, Encryption, Schema Binding, Return Table Definition, and Return Variable options that populate the grid to further define the function.

   Scalar Return Assembly Function

   Specifies the scalar return assembly function type, which returns a single value by executing a method from an assembly. When you select Scalar Return Assembly Function, you can use the Null Input, Return Data Type, Assembly, Class Name, and Method Name options that populate the grid to further define the function.

   Table Return Assembly Function

   Specifies the table return assembly function type, which returns a table of values by executing a method from an assembly. When you select Table Return Assembly Function, you can use the Null Input, Return Table Definition, Assembly, Class Name, and Method Name options that populate the grid to further define the function.

   Type

   Specifies the permission level in effect when the function is executed.

   Select User

   Specifies the user whose permissions are in effect for the execution of the function.

   Note: This option is only available if you have selected the Execute As User option in the Type drop-down list.

   'Function_Name' Parameter_Order_List

   Specifies the parameters for the function and lets you select the order in which the parameters execute and the properties of each one.

   Note: Click New on the toolbar to add a new parameter.

4. Work with the other tabs in the editor to access additional design features, for example:
   • Define the code type in the Code tab
   • View expanded code in the Expanded tab
   • Specify the order of DDL generation in the Object Creation Order tab
   • Define function permissions using the Permission tab
5. (Optional) Click the Comment tab and enter any comments that you want to associate with the function.
6. (Optional) Click the UDP tab to work with user-defined properties for the function.
7. Click Close.

   The function is defined and the SQL Server Function Editor closes.

More information:

Define the Code Type for an Object in a SQL Server Property Editor

View Expanded Code in a Property Editor

Change the Object Creation Order in a Property Editor

Define Permissions for an Object in a SQL Server Property Editor

Add a Comment in a Property Editor

Add a UDP in a Physical Property Editor

SQL Server Browser for Functions, Script Templates, and Stored Procedures