SQL query to extract text from a column and store it to a different column in the same record.

Question

I need some help with a SQL query...

I have a SQL table that holds in a column details of a form that has been submitted. I need to get a part of the text that is stored in that column and put it into a different column on the same row. The bit of text that I need to copy is always in the same position in the column.

Any help would be appreciated guys... my mind has gone blank :">

Answer 1

UPDATE  mytable
SET     other_column = SUBSTRING(column, begin_position, length)

Answer 2

UPDATE table SET Column2 = SUBSTRING(Column1, startPos, length)

Answer 3

You may just want to use a computed column. This way if the source string changes, your computed column is still correct. If you need to seek to this substring then you might want a persisted computed column if your db supports it.

Answer 4

What if the value you wanted to copy was in a different position in each record, but always followed the same text?