Sparse columns

Question

Hi friends I want to knowwhat are sparse columns? Thanks

Priya Linge · Answer

Hi 1.If the value of a column is NULL it doesn't consume space at all. Sparse columns reduce the space requirements for null values at the cost of more overhead to retrieve nonnull values. 2.Support of having 30000 sparse columns in a table. 3.It stores the data in a single xml column but for an external application it behaves like a normal column. 4.SPARSE column can take advantage of filtered Indexes where data are filled in the row. Hope this will help you. Thanks.

Deepak Dwij · Answer

Thanks Priyagud explaination

Karthik Agarwal · Answer

Also check this out for brief idea or else go with Javeed for more detail explanation. http://blogs.extremeexperts.com/2011/01/10/sparse-columns-need-and-limitation

Javeed M Shaikh · Answer

Hi Deepak Read this article to know more.. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc280604.aspx