How do I get the result I want ? SQL Server 2005

Question

Have a problem with my SQL Server stored procedure query output. Currently using this:

SELECT *
FROM Head H
INNER JOIN Line L ON H.invno = L.invno
INNER JOIN Misc M ON H.invno = M.invno
INNER JOIN QSMU Q ON H.invno = Q.invno
WHERE H.invno = @Invno 
  AND L.deleted = 0 
  AND M.deleted = 0 
  AND Q.deleted = 0

This code purpose is to show everything on my reporting service except the deleted one (filter it using a 'Deleted' column name instead of dropping some row(s).)

Now the problem is, if one of it doesn't have data, eg: table M doesn't have anything, then the output will be blank.

Iv'e tried changing the logic to OR, but you know, the output will be funny (the 'Deleted = 1' will shown in the output and I don't want that.

Answer 1

Use outer joins and move the deleted checks to the join conditions (optional in case of the main table).

SELECT *
FROM Head H
LEFT JOIN Line L ON H.invno = L.invno
  AND L.deleted = 0 
LEFT JOIN Misc M ON H.invno = M.invno
  AND M.deleted = 0 
LEFT JOIN QSMU Q ON H.invno = Q.invno
  AND Q.deleted = 0
WHERE H.invno = @Invno 

---

INNER vs OUTER

Head INNER JOIN Line ... only takes the Head rows that have matching Line rows in the second table, ie show the orders that have at least 1 line item.

Head LEFT JOIN Line ... takes all the Head rows and appends Line rows (if available; NULLs otherwise), ie show all the orders, also the ones with no line items.

Answer 2

Well I don't know the structure of the tables but from your select I see you have inner join .

You should understand what that really means - what you are doing is an intersection of H and M (see Venn diagrams for more).

You should have done LEFT JOINS which shows you all results from H even when missing from L or M or Q (still keeping your select structure):

SELECT *
FROM Head H
LEFT JOIN Line L ON H.invno = L.invno
LEFT JOIN Misc M ON H.invno = M.invno
LEFT JOIN QSMU Q ON H.invno = Q.invno
WHERE H.invno = @Invno 
  AND L.deleted = 0 
  AND M.deleted = 0 
  AND Q.deleted = 0