SQL Development

Database schema generation

• all table names should be in singular form
• all column names should be in singular form
• all tables should have a primary key column named id
• all tables should have a column named created_at to store the creation timestamp
• all tables should have a column named updated_at to store the last update timestamp

Database schema design

• all tables should have a primary key constraint
• all foreign key constraints should have a name
• all foreign key constraints should be defined inline
• all foreign key constraints should have ON DELETE CASCADE option
• all foreign key constraints should have ON UPDATE CASCADE option
• all foreign key constraints should reference the primary key of the parent table

SQL Coding Style

• use uppercase for SQL keywords (SELECT, FROM, WHERE)
• use consistent indentation for nested queries and conditions
• include comments to explain complex logic
• break long queries into multiple lines for readability
• organize clauses consistently (SELECT, FROM, JOIN, WHERE, GROUP BY, HAVING, ORDER BY)

SQL Query Structure

• use explicit column names in SELECT statements instead of SELECT *
• qualify column names with table name or alias when using multiple tables
• limit the use of subqueries when joins can be used instead
• include LIMIT/TOP clauses to restrict result sets
• use appropriate indexing for frequently queried columns
• avoid using functions on indexed columns in WHERE clauses

Stored Procedure Naming Conventions

• prefix stored procedure names with ‘usp_’
• use PascalCase for stored procedure names
• use descriptive names that indicate purpose (e.g., usp_GetCustomerOrders)
• include plural noun when returning multiple records (e.g., usp_GetProducts)
• include singular noun when returning single record (e.g., usp_GetProduct)

Parameter Handling

• prefix parameters with ‘@’
• use camelCase for parameter names
• provide default values for optional parameters
• validate parameter values before use
• document parameters with comments
• arrange parameters consistently (required first, optional later)

Stored Procedure Structure

• include header comment block with description, parameters, and return values
• return standardized error codes/messages
• return result sets with consistent column order
• use OUTPUT parameters for returning status information
• prefix temporary tables with ‘tmp_’

SQL Security Best Practices

• parameterize all queries to prevent SQL injection
• use prepared statements when executing dynamic SQL
• avoid embedding credentials in SQL scripts
• implement proper error handling without exposing system details
• avoid using dynamic SQL within stored procedures

Transaction Management

• explicitly begin and commit transactions
• use appropriate isolation levels based on requirements
• avoid long-running transactions that lock tables
• use batch processing for large data operations
• include SET NOCOUNT ON for stored procedures that modify data