Is it better to specify the columns you need in selecting a record in table rather than using select * from a table.

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Greetings,

i want to know, if its better to specify the columns in selecting in a table rather than using a select * in a table, will i have faster searching or retrieval of records if i will specify the columns i need in a query?
what is the disadvantage of using select * in a table and advantage of selecting the specified columns in a table,

Please help me on this, I really need an concrete answer to my question, it will help me a lot in constructing my code, also i want my query to have good retrieval and connection to my database,

Thank you..

Posted 18-May-11 16:11pm

itwasbydesign

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Not Active · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-18T16:19:00

It is better to specify the columns rather than using *. One reason is the query engine can optimize the query better knowing what the columns and types are rather than having to take a guess with a broad *. This can be particularly important when using tables that are broad, or when using multiple tables in a query. With this information a more optimized and possibly efficinet TDS can be formed and sent to the requesting agent.

Another reason is for code readability and maintenance; you will know specifically which columns are used.