patternsqlMinor

SQL column name search

Submitted by: @import:stackexchange-dba·Mar 10, 2026·

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sqlnamesearchcolumn

Problem

I'm using SQL Server Management Studio. I have a massive database and I want to search for column names that might be able to help me figure out what I need to join on.

Is there a tool or other method for doing that kind of a search? I have been looking for a way to do a column search but can't find one.

Solution

You have two options. Option 1 is to use the system views:

select
    t.name
    ,c.column_id
    ,c.name
    ,st.name
from
    sys.tables t
    join sys.columns c on (t.object_id = c.object_id)
    join sys.types st on (c.system_type_id = st.system_type_id)
where
    c.name = ''

Option 2 is a free add on from Red Gate Software called SQL Search.

Code Snippets

select
    t.name
    ,c.column_id
    ,c.name
    ,st.name
from
    sys.tables t
    join sys.columns c on (t.object_id = c.object_id)
    join sys.types st on (c.system_type_id = st.system_type_id)
where
    c.name = ''

Context

StackExchange Database Administrators Q#103798, answer score: 9

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