Fastest way to dump a table contents?

Anyone know what the fastest way to dump the contents of a MsSql table is?

I am currently using : DELETE * FROM table
...which is a bit slow. Is there a faster way?

u2o

In MySQL you can use:
DELETE FROM `table` ;

which instantly removes the whole lot... I'm not sure if it's the same thing... I suppose technically it is, but I can't see a faster way... other than perhaps dumping the table and recreating it?

Oops, got my syntax wrong. It is the same, DELETE FROM 'table'

u2o

well, in MSSQL there's TRUNCATE TABLE blah

It looks like MySQL has an implementation of it too:
http://www.mysql.com/doc/en/TRUNCATE.html

MUCH faster than DELETE FROM

Spot on Catalyst!!! That is *exactly* what is was looking for.

Virtual beer or the way!

u2o

Personally I would load all the records into an array, use VBScript to sort them all alphabetically removing any duplicates.

I would then check the consistency of each record, making sure I escape any non displayable characters.

Then, update the database.

Next, do another select and loop through each record deleting it one by one.

LMAO!!! [:P)

PS:- only do this if you want to pass the time it takes the kettle to boil.


Seriously, I think the truncate is the best way!

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