How to split a string from a table SQL Server 2012? - sql-server

Question

I'd like to split comma-delimited strings in SQL Server 2012. I'm interested in an XML solution, not a function or while loop (performance and permissions reasons). I read this post: STRING_SPLIT in SQL Server 2012 which was helpful, however, my context is not splitting a variable but rather a column in a table. Below is an example of the kind of dataset I'm working with:
CREATE TABLE #EXAMPLE
(
ID INT,
LIST VARCHAR(1000)
)
INSERT INTO #EXAMPLE
VALUES (1, '12345,54321'), (2, '48965'), (3, '98765,45678,15935'), (4, '75315')
SELECT * FROM #EXAMPLE
DROP TABLE #EXAMPLE
Given that dataset, how could I go about splitting the LIST field on the comma so that I get this data set?
CREATE TABLE #EXAMPLE
(
ID INT,
LIST VARCHAR(1000)
)
INSERT INTO #EXAMPLE
VALUES (1, '12345'), (1, '54321'), (2, '48965'), (3, '98765'), (3, '45678'), (3, '15935'), (4, '75315')
SELECT * FROM #EXAMPLE
DROP TABLE #EXAMPLE
I feel like I'm blanking on implementing this with a table column as opposed to a variable, but I'm sure it's pretty similar. I'd be greatly appreciative of any input. Thanks!

Answer 1

If you want an XML solution the following should hopefully suffice.
Note - this is easily wrapped in a reusable table-valued function however you state you don't want a function so just using in-line.
select e.id, s.List
from #example e
cross apply (
select List = y.i.value('(./text())[1]', 'varchar(max)')
from (
select x = convert(xml, '<i>' + replace(e.list, ',', '</i><i>') + '</i>').query('.')
) as a cross apply x.nodes('i') as y(i)
)s
See working Fiddle

Answer 2

Taking into account your link, this can be done by slightly changing the query by adding Cross Apply.
Select e.ID, t.a
From #Example As e Cross Apply (
SELECT Split.a.value('.', 'NVARCHAR(MAX)') DATA
FROM
(
SELECT CAST('<X>'+REPLACE(e.List, ',', '</X><X>')+'</X>' AS XML) AS String
) AS A
CROSS APPLY String.nodes('/X') AS Split(a)) As t(a)

Answer 3

As #Charlieface already mentioned there is a risk to bump into XML entities: ampersand and the like.
That's why I always use a CDATA section for safety.
SQL
-- DDL and sample data population, start
DECLARE #tbl TABLE (ID INT, LIST VARCHAR(1000));
INSERT INTO #tbl VALUES
(1, '12345,<54321'),
(2, '48965'),
(3, '98765,45678,15935'),
(4, '75315');
-- DDL and sample data population, end
SELECT e.id, s.List
FROM #tbl e
CROSS APPLY (
SELECT List = y.i.value('(./text())[1]', 'VARCHAR(MAX)')
FROM (
SELECT x = TRY_CAST('<i><![CDATA[' + REPLACE(e.list, ',', ']]></i><i><![CDATA[') + ']]></i>' AS XML)
) AS a CROSS APPLY x.nodes('i') as y(i)
) AS s;
Output
+----+--------+
| id | List |
+----+--------+
| 1 | 12345 |
| 1 | <54321 |
| 2 | 48965 |
| 3 | 98765 |
| 3 | 45678 |
| 3 | 15935 |
| 4 | 75315 |
+----+--------+