Puzzle: Write a Shortest Code to Produce Zero.
It has been a long time since we have puzzle on this blog. So I have decided to post this puzzle. You have to write a shortest code which produces digit 0 (zero).
If you think this puzzle is easy, it is not true. I have two very simple but interesting condition for you.
Condition 1: Do not use numbers and arithmetic calculation
Condition 2: Do not use 0 in the code
Condition 3: Do not use function len()
Well, that’s it. So if you were thinking to write code like SELECT 1-1 or PRINT 0 or SELECT LEN(”). You can’t do that. You are not allowed to use numbers, arithmetic calculation or the digit 0 in the code.
Let me show you one valid solution.
SELECT ISDATE('a')
Now, here is the challenge for you. The above code produces the result 0 (zero) and the length of the code is 18.
Here is the final condition for you,
Condition 4: Your Solution should have length lesser than 18 characters.
Now think of the interesting solution and post the result in the comment.
I will be happy to see what you can come up with. If you are also subscribed to my newsletter at https://blog.sqlauthority.com/contact-me/sign-up/ please expect a surprise gift for you if you get the correct answer.
Reference: Pinal Dave (https://blog.sqlauthority.com)
726 Comments. Leave new
SELECT ISNUMERIC(null)
Select isdate(”)
SELECT ISNUMERIC(”)
print @@TRANCOUNT
SELECT CHAR(48)
Condition 1… ;)
print @@error
Select isnumeric(‘A’)
SELECT sin(0)
You used 0
SELECT ISDATE(”)
select pi()-pi()
that’s arithmetic calculation
Not the shortest posted, but a bit different …
SELECT”&@@IDLE
returns int 0
SELECT”&@@SPID
returns smallint 0
Not sure if PRINT is permitted, but that works too.
he mentions it on the description PRINT 0 is not allowed because the 0 not the PRINT it selft
PRINT ABS(”)
PRINT SIN(\)
— Result 0 (zero). Code length 12.
— Currency symbols for the SIN argument also return zero. Like…
PRINT SIN($) — Mexican Peso
— and others
PRINT SIN($) — US Dollar
PRINT SIN(£) — UK Pound
— etc…
I got 6!