Logo
Back

How to insert a line break in a SQL Server VARCHAR/NVARCHAR string?

Storing multi-line text in SQL Server often requires explicitly embedding line break characters. While SQL itself does not have a distinct “newline” notation, you can insert them by concatenating special character codes. Below is a structured guide to help you achieve this seamlessly.

1. Understanding Line Break Characters

  • CHAR(13): Carriage Return (CR)
  • CHAR(10): Line Feed (LF)

On Windows-based environments, a newline is typically represented by the CR+LF sequence (CHAR(13) + CHAR(10)), whereas Linux/macOS environments often treat just LF as sufficient for line breaks.

2. Creating a Multi-Line String

Below is a simple example of returning a multi-line string using CHAR(13) and CHAR(10):

SELECT 'Hello' 
       + CHAR(13) + CHAR(10) 
       + 'World' AS MultiLineString;

In most database tools, this displays as:

Hello
World

3. Inserting Line Breaks into a Table

When inserting data into a table, you can also embed line breaks in VARCHAR/NVARCHAR columns:

INSERT INTO YourTable (TextColumn)
VALUES ('First line' + CHAR(13) + CHAR(10) + 'Second line');
  • TextColumn: The column where you want to store multi-line text.
  • The next time you query TextColumn, it will contain First line on one row and Second line on the next line.

4. Viewing Stored Line Breaks

After you insert multi-line strings, simply select from your table:

SELECT TextColumn
FROM YourTable;

Your SQL client or application should interpret CHAR(13) + CHAR(10) (or CHAR(10) alone) as a new line when displaying output. Keep in mind that different client tools might handle display formatting differently.

5. Tips and Best Practices

  1. Be Consistent
    Stick to one style of line break (CR+LF vs. LF) throughout your database and applications to avoid confusion or inconsistent rendering.

  2. Use NVARCHAR for International Characters
    If your text may contain Unicode characters (e.g., Chinese, Arabic, or emojis), define columns as NVARCHAR to ensure proper storage.

  3. Watch for String Length Limits
    Remember to size your columns appropriately (VARCHAR(MAX), NVARCHAR(MAX)) if you anticipate storing large multi-line text blocks.

  4. Check Application Compatibility
    Some applications or interfaces may expect a particular line ending format. Always verify that your front-end or reporting tools handle these characters properly.

6. Further SQL Learning with DesignGurus.io

  1. Grokking SQL for Tech Interviews – Dive deeper into SQL query patterns, best practices, and real-world interview examples.
  2. Grokking Database Fundamentals for Tech Interviews – Sharpen your database skills with schema design, normalization, and indexing strategies.

You can also explore more tips and tutorials on the DesignGurus.io YouTube channel. If you are preparing for a tech interview and want personalized guidance, consider their Mock Interviews with ex-FAANG engineers.

Conclusion

To insert a line break in SQL Server VARCHAR/NVARCHAR strings, rely on CHAR(13) + CHAR(10) (or simply CHAR(10)) in your statements. Doing so ensures that your multi-line text is accurately stored and rendered, whether for user-facing messages or application logs. Make sure to remain consistent and mindful of your database size and client display requirements to maintain data integrity.

CONTRIBUTOR
TechGrind