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Including parameters in OPENQUERY

sql
sql-injection
dynamic-sql
sp_executesql
Anton ShumikhinbyAnton Shumikhin·Oct 29, 2024
TLDR

To execute a parameterized OPENQUERY you create a dynamic SQL statement with sp_executesql, as shown:

DECLARE @param NVARCHAR(100) = 'Value'; DECLARE @sql NVARCHAR(MAX) = 'SELECT * FROM OPENQUERY(YourLinkedServer, ''SELECT * FROM YourTable WHERE YourColumn = ''''' + @param + ''''''')'; EXEC sp_executesql @sql;

This technique encapsulates the entire OPENQUERY within a dynamic SQL string, injecting the param value directly. Remember to take care of the quoting around this.

Strategy: Dynamic SQL with sp_executesql

Dynamic SQL is your all-rounder – it fits any scenario. In cases where you want to push parameters into your OPENQUERY, sp_executesql bypasses the maze of nested quotes:

Security Pointers

Before injecting user inputs to your dynamic SQL, validate them. It's like your momma always said, "Don't trust strangers!". So avoid SQL injection.

Fine-tuning Performance

Performance tuning is a craft. Think about optimizing the query by using JOINs or storing results in temporary tables.

Overcoming Data Type Hurdles

Receiving a specific data type from OPENQUERY? Remember to cast or convert accordingly.

A Tale of Quotes

Let's face it; quotes can be a menace in SQL. Here's how REPLACE helps:

DECLARE @param NVARCHAR(100) = REPLACE('O''Reilly', '''', '''''');

Efficient Data Management

Churning lots of data? Consider materializing the OPENQUERY results into a temporary table. Later, discard them like Thanos did with his minions:

SELECT * INTO #TempTable FROM OPENQUERY(YourLinkedServer, 'SELECT * FROM RemoteTable');

Connectivity and Network Issues

Bear in mind the network performance aspect. The size of your data request and the linked server's location may affect your results.

Refer Microsoft Docs

Consult Microsoft’s documentation for sp_executesql and OPENQUERY tips. Follow the golden rule: Static when possible, dynamic when necessary.

Taking Care: Security and More

Don't Ignore Security

Just as you don't hand your house keys to a stranger, don't leave your database open to SQL injection. Use parameterized queries:

EXEC sp_executesql @sql, N'@param nvarchar(100)', @param;

Handling Special Data Types

Let's talk about dates. They can be touchy when passed as parameters to OPENQUERY:

DECLARE @dateParam DATE = GETDATE(); SET @sql = N'SELECT * FROM OPENQUERY(YourLinkedServer, ' + N'''SELECT * FROM YourTable WHERE DateColumn = ''''' + CONVERT(VARCHAR, @dateParam, 112) -- This format is like the Swiss army knife of date formats! + ''''''')'; EXEC sp_executesql @sql;

Interacting with a linked server can sometimes feel like a blind date gone wrong. Check the authentication and transaction settings, like remote proc transaction promotion, if you're facing issues.