Outer join in SQL server - A very simple question

From: Naveen Nahata <naveen_nahata_at_mindtree.com>
Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2003 00:08:03 -0700
Message-ID: <F001.005B8E77.20030624234937@fatcity.com>

Sorry for the SQL Server post, working on SQL Server for the first time, and this list is my only resource as of now. I'm reading the SQL Server join syntax and trying it myself. Meanwhile, If i can get some expert help, it will be more than useful

I'm simplifying the problem with the help of these test tables.

CREATE TABLE t1(A VARCHAR(10), A1 VARCHAR(10), A2 VARCHAR(10));
CREATE TABLE t2(B VARCHAR(10), B1 VARCHAR(10));
CREATE TABLE t3(C VARCHAR(10), C1 VARCHAR(10));
CREATE TABLE t4(D VARCHAR(10), D1 VARCHAR(10));

INSERT INTO t1 VALUES ('A', 'AA', 'AAAA'); INSERT INTO t1 VALUES (null, 'AAAA', 'AAAA');

INSERT INTO t2 VALUES ('A', 'BB');

INSERT INTO t3 VALUES ('A', 'CC');

INSERT INTO t4 VALUES ('A', 'DD');

Table t1 refers to t2(through a) and t4(through a2) directly and t2 refers to t3(through b).

I want to join t1 to t2, t3, t4 and retrieve all the rows inside t1 irrespective of whether the value is there in the other tables or not(outer-join of course)

I wrote this query in Oracle and it works

SQL> SELECT     a1, b1, c1, d1
  2  FROM       t1, t2, t3, t4
  3  WHERE      t1.a = t2.b(+)
  4  AND        t2.b = t3.c(+)
  5  AND        t1.a2 = t4.d

6 /

A1 B1 C1 D1
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

AA         BB         CC         DD
AAAA                             DD

I substituted the "+" with the "*" to use it in SQL Server which made my query look like this:

SELECT     a1, b1, c1, d1
FROM       t1, t2, t3, t4
WHERE      t1.a =* t2.b
AND        t2.b =* t3.c
AND        t1.a2 = t4.d

But it fails with the error:

"The table 't1' is an inner member of an outer-join clause. This is not allowed if the table also participates in a regular join clause."

How to overcome this? Or is the query wrong?

Regards
Naveen

DISCLAIMER:
This message (including attachment if any) is confidential and may be privileged. Before opening attachments please check them for viruses and defects. MindTree Consulting Private Limited (MindTree) will not be responsible for any viruses or defects or any forwarded attachments emanating either from within MindTree or outside. If you have received this message by mistake please notify the sender by return e-mail and delete this message from your system. Any unauthorized use or dissemination of this message in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Please note that e-mails are susceptible to change and MindTree shall not be liable for any improper, untimely or incomplete transmission.
--

Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.net
--

Author: Naveen Nahata
INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Fat City Network Services    -- 858-538-5051 http://www.fatcity.com
San Diego, California        -- Mailing list and web hosting services
---------------------------------------------------------------------

To REMOVE yourself from this mailing list, send an E-Mail message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (note EXACT spelling of 'ListGuru') and in the message BODY, include a line containing: UNSUB ORACLE-L (or the name of mailing list you want to be removed from). You may also send the HELP command for other information (like subscribing). Received on Wed Jun 25 2003 - 02:08:03 CDT