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

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

Answers (3)