Get stored procedure parameters by either C# or SQL?

sql

sql-server

parameter-discovery

csharp

byAlex Kataev·Dec 26, 2024

Here's your quick takeaway:

SELECT 
    PARAMETER_NAME, 
    DATA_TYPE 
FROM 
    INFORMATION_SCHEMA.PARAMETERS 
WHERE 
    SPECIFIC_NAME='YourProcedure';

Scope out parameters and types for 'YourProcedure' in the INFORMATION_SCHEMA.PARAMETERS. For this to work, replace 'YourProcedure' with the name of your stored procedure.

And in C# with a helpful method called SqlCommandBuilder.DeriveParameters:

using (var connection = new SqlConnection("YourConnectionString"))
{
    using (var command = new SqlCommand("YourProcedure", connection))
    {
        command.CommandType = CommandType.StoredProcedure;
        connection.Open(); 
        SqlCommandBuilder.DeriveParameters(command);
        foreach (SqlParameter p in command.Parameters)
        {
            Console.WriteLine($"Name: {p.ParameterName}, Type: {p.SqlDbType}");
        }
        connection.Close(); // Sayonara!
    }
}

Make sure that connection is open when calling DeriveParameters to invite parameter info in, and don't forget to merrily wave it goodbye afterwards to prevent resource leaks.

Parameter discovery methods

SMO for deep insight

The SQL Server Management Objects (SMO) model provides deeper insights for C# developers. To use SMO, add references to the Microsoft.SqlServer.Smo and related assemblies:

using Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo;
using Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Common;

var server = new Server(new ServerConnection(connectionString));
var storedProc = server.Databases["YourDB"].StoredProcedures["YourProcedure", "YourSchema"];

foreach (StoredProcedureParameter param in storedProc.Parameters)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"Name: {param.Name}, Type: {param.DataType}, Default Value: {param.DefaultValue}");
}

Using Enterprise Library

If patterns and practices are your jam, check out the Microsoft Enterprise Library's Data Access Block:

var database = new SqlDatabase("YourConnectionString");
var storedProcParams = database.DiscoverParameters("YourProcedure");

foreach (DbParameter p in storedProcParams)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"Name: {p.ParameterName}, Type: {p.DbType}");
}

Error handling and best practices

Remember folks, exceptions are the party crashers of programming. Always wrap your parameter retrieval code in a try-catch block:

try
{
    // Fill this space with code (SMO, SqlCommandBuilder, etc.)
}
catch (Exception ex)
{
    // Handle exceptions like a pro here
    Console.WriteLine($"Error: {ex.Message}");
}

Navigating common pitfalls

SqlCommandBuilder quirks

When using the SqlCommandBuilder.DeriveParameters method, it's a no-go for CLR stored procedures. And if you're dealing with dynamic SQL or temp tables, limitations could block your way.

When SMO becomes a freeloader

While SMO is a power tool, it adds a weighty set of dependencies to your project. It might be an overkill for a simple use case and its resource-heavy nature might slow you down.

Dealing with demanding libraries

The Enterprise Library offers nice abstraction but can be a tough cookie to set up initially. It would play well only if the library version is compatible with your application.

SQL as your trusted sidekick

Sticking with SQL for parameter discovery frees you from dealing with external dependencies. However, you miss out on the benefits of strong typing and an object-oriented approach that C# presents.

explain-codes / Sql / Get stored procedure parameters by either C# or SQL?

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