How to use ExecuteScalar() method

Introduction

We can use ExecuteScalar() method, if we have to retrieve a single value from a database. It executes the query and returns the first column of the first row in the result set returned by the query. Additional rows and columns are simply discarded. It returns a maximum of 2033 characters. It is better to get the result of MAX,MIN,COUNT, etc using ExecuteScalar() method.

Benefit

1. ExecuteScalar() requires the less code than using ExecuteReader().
2. ExecuteScalar() immediately returns the actual value. Hence, in case of retrieving single value from a database, it is fast and efficient.

INSERT

The following figure shows the records inserted using cmd.ExecuteScalar() method.

MAX

MIN

COUNT

Returns an object type

ExecuteScalar() method returns an object type.



So when i m trying to initialize the result of cmd.ExecuteScalar() method in an integer variable, it is giving the below given error.

Conclusion

Happy Reading!

Reference

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/system.data.sqlclient.sqlcommand.executescalar.aspx