DF043: The NOLOCK hint is used.

Last modified: May 28, 2025

The topic describes the DF043 T-SQL code analysis rule.

Category

BEST PRACTICE

Message

The NOLOCK hint is used.

Description

Consider changing the isolation level instead of using the NOLOCK hint.

Additional information

It is impossible to specify query hints in an INSERT statement, except when a SELECT clause is used inside the statement. Query hints are only allowed in the top-level query, not in subqueries.

NOLOCK can be used in the OPTION(TABLE HINT(ExposedName, NOLOCK)) clause if it has already been specified in the WITH(NOLOCK) clause.

Noncompliant code example

SELECT * FROM dbo.DemoTable WITH(NOLOCK)

Compliant solution

SET TRANSACTION ISOLATION LEVEL READ UNCOMMITTED
SELECT * FROM dbo.DemoTable