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Description

The "Loops with at most one iteration should be refactored" code rule for SQL Server suggests that any loop that has a single iteration should be refactored into a simpler code structure. This is because, in most cases, a loop with a single iteration can be replaced with a simpler code structure that can be more easily understood and maintained. By refactoring the code, it can improve the readability and maintainability of the code and reduce the risk of errors. Additionally, it can improve the performance of the code by reducing the amount of unnecessary looping operations.

Key Benefits

• Eliminate potential confusion - Refactoring loops with at most one iteration can help to eliminate potential confusion about the loop's purpose.
• Reduce complexity - Refactoring loops with at most one iteration can help to reduce the overall complexity of the code.
• Improve readability - Refactoring loops with at most one iteration can help to improve the readability of the code.

Non-compliant Code Example

WHILE ( SELECT AVG(ListPrice) FROM dbo.DimProduct) < 300   --Non compliant code (While loop will break after first iteration)
BEGIN  
    UPDATE dbo.DimProduct SET ListPrice = ListPrice * 2;  

    SELECT MAX ( ListPrice) FROM dbo.DimProduct; 

    BREAK;  
END

Compliant Code Example

WHILE ( SELECT AVG(ListPrice) FROM dbo.DimProduct) < 300   --Compliant code (While loop will break based on the IF condition result)
BEGIN  
    UPDATE dbo.DimProduct  
        SET ListPrice = ListPrice * 2;  

    SELECT MAX ( ListPrice) FROM dbo.DimProduct;

    IF ( SELECT MAX (ListPrice) FROM dbo.DimProduct) > 500  
        BREAK;  
END