Can I restrict SQL Server to execute code only when some code is selected?

Question

The other day I was trying to hit another button on the menu but hit Execute - which executed the whole code and ended up deleting some tables. I have always found this scary that hitting one button can execute the whole code.

I want SQL Server to execute code only when something is selected. Is it possible? Or can SQL Server prompt before executing a query?

Answer 1

If you wrap your code in NOEXEC then you effectively stop the code from running unless you select the code inside them.
The code will compile but will not execute!

Example:

SET NOEXEC ON;

SELECT 1 AS Test;

SET NOEXEC OFF;

If you run the whole code, nothing will be returned.

If you highlight just the SELECT part then it will run though, returning:

Test
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1

Answer 2

In MSSQL Management Studio, the Execute button (F5) executes only the sentences that are selected. If nothing is selected, then executes the complete script.

I allways select the sentences I want to execute. But it's my habit. Nothing will prevent you from pressing F5 directly