What is the STUFF Function and how does it Differ from the REPLACE Function

Question

Hi What is the STUFF function and how does it differ from the REPLACE function ?

Satyapriya Nayak · Answer

Hi Arun STUFF function to overwrite existing characters. Using this syntax STUFF(string_expression start length replacement_characters) string_expression is the string that will have characters substituted start is the starting position length is the number of characters in the string that are substituted and replacement_characters are the new characters interjected into the string. REPLACE function to replace existing characters of all occurance. Using this syntax REPLACE(string_expression search_string replacement_string) where every incidence of search_string found in the string_expression will be replaced with replacement_string. Please refer the below links http://blog.sqlauthority.com/2007/04/19/sql-server-interview-questions-part-5/ Thanks

Jignesh Trivedi · Answer

hi Stuff : This function can be used for delete a certain length of the string and insert a new string in the deleted place. STUFF ( InputString start length ReplacedString ) Replace : This function replaces all the occurrences of a string expression with a new string within an input string. REPLACE ( InputString  StringToReplace  NewString ) http://sqlserverpedia.com/blog/sql-server-bloggers/sql-functions-%E2%80%93-stuff-and-replace/ hope this will help you.

Vulpes · Answer

Check out Manish's article on the subject: http://www.c-sharpcorner.com/blogs/888/replace-vs-stuff-in-sql-server-2005.aspx