Can I pass column name as input parameter in SQL stored Procedure

Question

create procedure sp_First
@columnname varchar
AS
begin
select @columnname from Table_1
end 
exec sp_First 'sname'

My requirement is to pass column names as input parameters. I tried like that but it gave wrong output.

So Help me

Answer 1

You can do this in a couple of ways.

One, is to build up the query yourself and execute it.

SET @sql = 'SELECT ' + @columnName + ' FROM yourTable'
sp_executesql @sql

If you opt for that method, be very certain to santise your input. Even if you know your application will only give 'real' column names, what if some-one finds a crack in your security and is able to execute the SP directly? Then they can execute just about anything they like. With dynamic SQL, always, always, validate the parameters.

Alternatively, you can write a CASE statement...

SELECT
  CASE @columnName
    WHEN 'Col1' THEN Col1
    WHEN 'Col2' THEN Col2
                ELSE NULL
  END as selectedColumn
FROM
  yourTable

This is a bit more long winded, but a whole lot more secure.

Answer 2

No. That would just select the parameter value. You would need to use dynamic sql.

In your procedure you would have the following:

DECLARE @sql nvarchar(max) = 'SELECT ' + @columnname + ' FROM Table_1';
exec sp_executesql @sql, N''