Is it possible for SQL Output clause to return a column not being inserted?

Advanced data capturing methods

Even though the subquery method is useful, you can leverage SQL's advanced features to fetch additional columns.

APPLY the power of MERGE for illustrious OUTPUT

The MERGE statement can be used for more sophisticated data capturing. In a MERGE statement, you can output data from both the inserted and the source data, without requiring an update. Take a gander at this example:

MERGE TargetTable AS TARGET
USING SourceTable AS SOURCE
ON 1=0 -- "Mama I'm commin' home!" ensures it always inserts
WHEN NOT MATCHED THEN
    INSERT (ColumnA, ColumnB)
    VALUES (SOURCE.ColumnA, SOURCE.ColumnB)
OUTPUT INSERTED.ColumnA, INSERTED.ColumnB, SOURCE.AdditionalColumn; -- "Hello from the other side!"
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Performance considerations and test environment management

When performing complex operations, especially on significant datasets, you should always consider performance implications. Also, after breaking things in your testing environment, don't forget to clean up after your mess - I mean, your test tables and data.

Applying advanced SQL tactics

Harness the power combo of MERGE and OUTPUT

Understanding the MERGE command is crucial for cases where extra information is required from the source table. When setting the ON predicate, using a condition such as 1=0 - which guarantees no updates occur - every row is handled as a new insertion.

Enter the world of CTEs and ROW_NUMBER()

When preparing your data prior to an insert operation, employ Common Table Expressions (CTEs). Combine these with ROW_NUMBER() and ORDER BY to establish a defined sequence for your data. This can be a game changer when dealing with mapping table insertions.

All about IDENTITY property

Leverage the IDENTITY property to automatically generate values for new rows. Understanding this property and using it wisely can boost your data capturing strategy to a new high.