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 CAST(” AS INT)
select sin($)
SELECT @@ERROR
14 characters
PRINT SIN($)
this command will print single digit 0
while, PRINT $ will print 0.00
SELECT @@ERROR
the answer is:
select abs(”)
select abs(”)
SELECT CAST(” AS INT)
Select Sin($) with trigonometric expression
Select $ will give 0 but decimal value
Select ISDATE(”)
SELECT ISDATE(”)
select char(48)
sorry ignore my previous comment
PRINT ISDATE(”)
select @@error
select 1-1
SELECT ISDATE(”)
SELECT CAST($ AS INT)
select @@ERROR
select REPLACE(STR(”),’ ‘,”)
select char(48)