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 str(”)
PRINT str(”)
print str(”)
SELECT @@ERROR
select $
SELECT FALSE
My answers are..
print log(1)
print $
SELECT sin(”)
SELECT STR(”)
print @@error
select @@LANGID
SELECT @@ERROR
SELECT @@LANGID
SELECT PI() – PI()
What is the correct answer? You said you would post it on Monday…
6 characters :)
print£
Can anyone explain why it works without a space between the T of PRINT if I use a £. However as I posted in an earlier answer PRINT $ needs the space.
select cast (” as int)
select floor(”)
select left($,1)
print 1^1
PRINT @@ERROR
This returns a 0 all by itself:
print abs(”)
Technically print str(”) returns a string of ‘ 0’
PRINT CHAR(48)