Parameter is a placeholder for a variable that contains a value of some type that is passed to a database server along with the SQL text at the query execution time. Also parameter can hold values returned by a server after query or stored procedure execution.
You can benefit from using of parameters in the following situations:
Parameters are declared using @ prefix followed by the parameter name. A prefix is included to the name of the parameter.
For example:
SELECT
Employee.*
FROM
HumanResources.Employee
WHERE
Employee.Title = @Job AND
Employee.VacationHours <= @Level
@Job and @Level are parameters in this query.
When you run a query that contains parameters with empty values, you will automatically be prompted to initialize them.
To set parameter values and types, select Edit Parameters on the SQL toolbar or press F8. In the Edit Parameters dialog box, set parameters’ type, value, and other properties.
Note
When you execute a query with preset parameter values, you will not be automatically prompted to edit them. To edit parameters, press F8 or select Edit Parameters on the SQL toolbar.