How do I write LINQ's .Skip(1000).Take(100) in pure SQL?

SQL paging: OFFSET and FETCH NEXT

Pulling data from large datasets is no picnic. Thankfully, SQL offers efficient pagination using OFFSET for skipping and FETCH NEXT for record limiting. These commands tell your SQL server to bypass unrequired records and pull a specified batch.

Ordering the results with ORDER BY is non-negotiable – it ensures consistent ordering.

-- Just some SQL taking a healthy OFFSET jog
-- And FETCHing the good stuff. Who's a good SQL? You're a good SQL!
SELECT * FROM TableName ORDER BY Id OFFSET 1000 ROWS FETCH NEXT 100 ROWS ONLY


More ways to skin the cat: ROW_NUMBER and CTE

SQL isn't a one-trick pony! Another way to emulate .Skip().Take() is the ROW_NUMBER() function with a Common Table Expression (CTE). A little more complex, but comes with a fine-grained control as a side dish.

-- CTE here: making SQL queries as cool as cucumber
WITH NumberedRows AS (
  SELECT *, ROW_NUMBER() OVER (ORDER BY Id) AS RowNum
  FROM TableName
)
-- Now comes the main course, hold your spoons!
SELECT * FROM NumberedRows 
WHERE RowNum BETWEEN 1001 AND 1100 -- SQL: Slice, Dice, Nice.


This method is aces for performance, especially when combined with indexed columns and removing the need for an explicit ORDER BY.

Pagination perfection for large tables

Navigating large datasets is like walking a tightrope. We need optimized performance at every step. We've got just the ticket - here are some strategies to ensure smooth SQL sailing:

• Indexing: Ensure ORDER BY columns are indexed. It's like a treasure map for quicker data hunts.
• Batch Operations: Load manageable batches. Your server might appreciate the smaller bites.
• CTEs & Window Functions: Complexity is part of the job. Keep things organized and spruced-up with these helpers, especially when queries get gnarly.

Remember, with great data comes great responsibility!

Additional methods and performance boosters

Let's optimise that .Skip().Take() operation:

• Reduced OFFSET: Large OFFSETs can hinder performance. Be a sleuth and discover better filters.
• Last Processed ID: Store it, so you don't do the counting cha-cha.
• Covering Indexes: Design an index that covers your query – avoiding data reads like a pro!
• ORDER BY Computations: Squeaky clean ORDER BY clauses make for faster sorting. Use computed columns if complex sorting is necessary.

Optimised .Skip().Take() is the Beyoncé of SQL functions - efficient, powerful, and leaves your server breathless in admiration!