Declared @local_variables and parameters in stored procedures are a very handy feature of SQL Server.
They allow for local storage, and for passing information around without storing them in your database first.
You can assign values by using both SET @local_variable, and SELECT @local_variable.
Note that these are different than a regular SET or regular SELECT.
In addition, SET @local_variable and SELECT @local_variable are different too.
Though Microsoft recommends using SET, there are a differences between SET and SELECT, which can make SELECT a lot faster in loops.
Assigning multiple @local_variables in a single SELECT query
There seem to be no examples (or very few: as I could not find them) about using the SELECT @local_variable to select values into multiple @local_variables from a query.
This can be very useful, so here is a small example: Read the rest of this entry »
The Wiert Corner - irregular stream of stuff 