SUSER_SNAME() vs. SUSER_NAME(). Which to use?

Whats the difference between SUSER_SNAME() and SUSER_NAME()? Which one should I use?

asked Oct 21 '11 at 06:14 AM in Default

eghetto
1.5k ● 6 ● 13 ● 17

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2 answers:

The difference is in the arguments that those functions take.

SUSER_SNAME(), takes an optional varbinary(85) argument, which is the security identification number of a SQL Server login / windows login / windows group. You can get your SID by executing select SUSER_SID()

SUSER_NAME(), takes an optional integer argument, which is the login id of a SQL server login / windows user / windows group. You can get your login id by executing select SUSER_ID()

Without arguments, they both return the current user.

Which one should you use - depends on what are you trying to do?

answered Oct 21 '11 at 06:36 AM

Kev Riley ♦♦
46.1k ● 38 ● 43 ● 69

Ahhh, you beat me with 19seconds. :)

Oct 21 '11 at 06:37 AM Håkan Winther

Well, I'm trying to find out who is executing my stored procedure! Is there a situation where SUSER_SNAME() and SUSER_NAME() return different results? Or can I mix them around im my code?

Oct 21 '11 at 06:44 AM eghetto

I'm not aware of a situation where they can return different results, when called without arguments, even in impersonation contexts.

I would just choose one and then stick with that one!

Oct 21 '11 at 07:00 AM Kev Riley ♦♦

Thanks! That's fine to me!

Oct 21 '11 at 07:09 AM eghetto

@Håkan - you shouldn't have deleted yours - you made a good point about a change in SQL 7 - provides a bit of background :)

Oct 21 '11 at 07:12 AM Kev Riley ♦♦

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