Adding a unique primary key field in SQL Server?

Question

I need to add a column with a unique primary key (using SQL Server 2008). I wanted to BULK load a great amount of data, but I found the repetition in field I was going to use.

I am asking for some hints and directions on the best choice of setting this up so that the key field is populated during the BULK load.

Answer 1

Simplest: ID INT IDENTITY(1,1) PRIMARY KEY

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Kalman Toth Database & OLAP Architect sqlusa.com
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Answer 2

I suggest you try this query:

 

alter table database.schema.table_name

    add ID_column int identity(1,1)

    primary key (ID_column)

 

In case you’ve set the primary key on the table, you’ll need to delete it before running this query

Answer 3

Hi,

You may add identity column and remove the primary key from your field that you used.

Or you may bulk the data on another temp table and then clear it and check you field again or use any other candidate key.

I hope this is helpful.

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Elmozamil Elamir Hamid

MCSE Data Platform
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MCSA SQL Server 2012
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