Create table aliases (Visual Database Tools)

Applies to: SQL Server

Aliases can make it easier to work with table names. Using aliases is helpful when:

• You want to make the statement in the SQL Pane (Visual Database Tools) shorter and easier to read.

• You refer to the table name often in your query - such as in qualifying column names - and want to be sure you stay within a specific character-length limit for your query. (Some databases impose a maximum length for queries.)

• You're working with multiple instances of the same table (such as in a self-join) and need a way to refer to one instance or the other.

For example, you can create an alias "e" for a table name employee_information, and then refer to the table as "e" throughout the rest of the query.

Create an alias for a table or table-valued object

1. Add the table or table-valued object to your query.

2. In the Diagram Pane, right-click the object for which you want to create an alias, then select Properties from the shortcut menu.

3. In the Properties window, enter the alias in the Alias field.

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