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(”)
One more solution may be as :
select cast(” as int)
Heres my another answer select char(’48’)
Select tan($)
select AVG(0)
Select ISNUMERIC(‘A’)
select ‘Zero’
SELECT ISDATE(”)
hehehe a bit of a hack on the back of your SELECT ISDATE(‘a’)
still trying to come up with another though
select ABS(”)
select @@error
SELECT LOG(1)
SELECT @@ERROR
something funny?
select DB_ID(‘master’)
select DB_name(0)
select DB_name(1)
Result:
——
1
(1 row(s) affected)
——————————————————————————————————————————–
master
(1 row(s) affected)
——————————————————————————————————————————–
master
(1 row(s) affected)
PRINT STR(”)
select cast(”as int) but its 21 chars
select @@ERROR
SELECT ISDATE(”)
It’s has 17 char code
select pi()-Pi()
As the five solution of mine I found the best one ..so far. Has 13 chars.
select day($)
Print ISDATE(”)
it has 16 char code
SELECT ABS(”)