Using sp_HelpText To View Object Defintions

Want to know what a stored procedure or a view or a function does beyond just what is implied from the name? You browse to find it in Management Studio, you could use the OBJECT_DEFINTION function, or you could use my favorite technique sp_helptext. It's simple to use, just pass in the name of the object and you get back the definition. It's fast, easy to use, easy to remember!

Andy Warren is a software trainer focusing on SQL Server, a member of the PASS Board of Directors, and a principal in this site - SQLShare.com.

gagan khurana on 12/5/2010

good... nice one...i never no this...

ranu on 12/7/2010

i like it short.. this is a unique way of learning keep it up.

balaji on 12/7/2010

nice video

manjeet on 12/7/2010

Good Video

Tom Hamilton on 12/7/2010

Merry Christmas all

Don Weigend on 12/7/2010

Interesting that sp_helptext uses a cursor considering all the disadvantages with cursors. Great demo however! Thank you!

Joaquin Ortega on 12/7/2010

Very Illustrative

Jason Corley on 12/7/2010

To take this one step further, I configured a hotkey so all I need to do is highlight the name of the proc and hit CTRL+3. This is so I don't have to type in sp_helptext evertime I need to view the object's definition. And I do that alot... I configured this in SSMS > Tools > Options > Environment > Keyboard. And for the Ctrl+3 entry, I entered 'sp_helptext'. Hope this helps.

Jamshid Nouri on 12/7/2010

excellent demo. Thanks for introducing the sp_helptext to me.

Nilesh on 12/7/2010

okk....I dont think i will be using it much but good to know

Dana on 12/7/2010

very helpful info

Faisal Lodhi on 12/7/2010

Learned something New....Thanks

Mat on 12/8/2010

great

B58E141AB8 on 12/8/2010

it was a very helpful video

Jack Pines on 12/13/2010

I've used sp_helptext often but never knew how much more useful it is nor the underpinnings of it. Thanks!

Maurice Ivory on 6/20/2011

I think I do find this function very helpful!!