Where can I find CLR function text in Microsoft SQL Server?

Question

I've created an application to synchronize Microsoft SQL Server databases with the same structure. One of the tasks I need to solve is to transfer any database routine (procedure, function, trigger, etc) from source database to target one. For routine transfer I use a query

SELECT [definition] FROM sys.sql_modules WITH (NOLOCK) WHERE object_id = OBJECT_ID('SOME_OBJECT_ID')

or

SELECT * FROM INFORMATION_SCHEMA.ROUTINES where routine_name like '%SOME_ROUTINE_NAME%'

And it works perfectly for all the routines except CLR functions (the functions with [type_desc] = CLR_TABLE_VALUED_FUNCTION or [type_desc] = CLR_SCALAR_FUNCTION ).

Their text is not stored in sys.sql_modules datatable and system view INFORMATION_SCHEMA.ROUTINES contains values [ROUTINE_BODY] = EXTERNAL and [ROUTINE_DEFINITION] = NULL .

But I'm sure that CLR function text is not recreated every time I open it because it can be changed and saved with user changes.

So I'd be very grateful for any hint about CLR function text location.

UPDATE: I don't needed to transfer .NET library function itself, I just want to transfer the wrapper function that is created manually in Programmability > Functions > Table-valued Functions.

Answer 1

If you want to look into CLR function or procedure you need to perform some steps as CLR functions an procedures are created from assemblies.

Step-1:- Export your assemblies to file system

• Using powershell - http://www.sqlservercentral.com/blogs/erichumphrey/2012/03/02/extract-clr-assemblies-from-sql-server/
• Bycreating another CLR assembly - https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/3126/exporting-clr-assemblies-from-sql-server-back-to-dll-files/

Step-2:- Use .net assembly Decompiler like http://ilspy.net/ or redgate reflector

This method will work if assembly creator has not performed addition steps to prevent de-compilation.

Answer 2

Server Profiler has shown 35 different dynamic queries used by Management Studio to build the CLR wrapper function. So function text is unfortunately built on-the-fly and nothing is stored in the depths of system databases.