SQL Server Collation: Types and Configuration

The collation in SQL Server defines rules for sorting and comparing data. It covers default options, types, setup, checks, changes, and fixes for common errors.

What is Collation in SQL Server?

It sets rules that control how the server stores, sorts, and compares text data. It affects character sets, case sensitivity, and accent marks.

The default collation comes with the installation. It matches the system language and controls text rules for all new databases.

SQL Server offers two main types of collation. One type bases its rules on Windows standards. Another type uses SQL standards from older versions. Each type affects how text sorts and compares across databases.

You can use a simple query to see the server collation. It shows the current setting at the instance level and inside each database.

SELECT SERVERPROPERTY('Collation') AS ServerCollation;
SELECT name, collation_name FROM sys.databases;

You can change collation at the database level with an ALTER DATABASE command.

You can also change collation at the table or column level with an ALTER TABLE statement. Each change affects how text sorts and compares in future queries.

Collation conflicts happen when two objects use different rules. You can fix these errors by using COLLATE in your query or by changing collation at the database or column level.

Wrapping Up

You learned what collation does and how it affects text rules.

Here is a quick recap:

• It sets rules for text. It has default settings and two main types. You can view, change, and fix it at server, database, or column level.

FAQs

What is Collation and why is it important?

SQL Server Collation defines how string data is sorted and compared.
It controls case sensitivity, accent sensitivity, and character set rules.

• Case sensitivity: Difference between ‘ABC’ and ‘abc’
• Accent sensitivity: Treats ‘a’ and ‘á’ differently
• Language rules: Defines order of sorting

How do I check SQL Server Collation?

Run this SQL query to check server collation:

SELECT SERVERPROPERTY('Collation') AS ServerCollation;

To check database collation:

SELECT name, collation_name <br>FROM sys.databases <br>WHERE name = 'YourDBName';

How can I change the database collation?

Use this SQL command:

ALTER DATABASE YourDBName 
COLLATE SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS;

• Note: Changing collation may require rebuilding indexes.
• Best practice: Set collation during initial database creation.

How do I fix collation conflict errors?

Use COLLATE clause in queries:

SELECT *
FROM Table1 t1
JOIN Table2 t2
  ON t1.Column1 COLLATE SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS =
     t2.Column2 COLLATE SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS;

1. Check conflicting column collations
2. Use COLLATE in query or alter column
3. Keep consistent collation across databases

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