What is a SQL sequence and how is it different from an auto-increment identity?
Jul 02, 2025 am 01:23 AMSQL序列和自增標識的主要區(qū)別在于作用范圍和控制靈活性。1. 序列是獨立對象,可在多個表中使用,提供更靈活的配置選項,如起始值、步長、最大值及循環(huán)行為,并需手動調(diào)用生成下一個值;2. 自增標識綁定特定表的列,自動在插入新行時生成數(shù)值,配置簡單但控制有限。選擇序列適用于跨表共享計數(shù)器或需要精細控制的場景,而自增標識適合僅需為每張表生成唯一ID的簡單情況。
A SQL sequence and an auto-increment identity both generate numeric values, often used for primary keys. The main difference lies in their scope and control: a sequence is an independent object that can be used across multiple tables and offers more flexibility, while identity is tied to a specific table column with simpler but less flexible behavior.

What Is a SQL Sequence?
A sequence is a standalone database object that generates a sequence of numeric values based on defined parameters like start value, increment, and maximum value.

- It’s not tied to any particular table.
- You can define how the numbers behave—like starting at 100 or skipping even numbers.
- You manually call the next value using a function like
NEXT VALUE FOR
(in SQL Server) ornextval()
(in PostgreSQL).
Example use case:
You want a shared counter across multiple tables, like generating invoice numbers used by different departments.
Some common settings:

- Start value
- Increment amount (can be negative for descending sequences)
- Minimum and maximum values
- Cycle option (whether it wraps around when reaching limits)
What Is an Auto-Increment Identity?
An identity column automatically generates a numeric value for each new row inserted into a table.
- It's attached to a single column in a table.
- Usually starts at 1 and increments by 1.
- Automatically managed—you don’t need to reference it explicitly when inserting data.
Example use case:
You have a users table and want each new user to get a unique ID without manual input.
Pros:
- Simple to set up
- Automatically used during inserts
Cons:
- Harder to share across tables
- Limited control over gaps or cycling
Key Differences Between Sequence and Identity
- Scope: A sequence is global, usable by any table or application logic. An identity is local to one table column.
- Control: Sequences offer more configuration options. Identities are simpler but less customizable.
- Usage: With sequences, you must explicitly request the next value. With identities, the value is automatically generated on insert.
- Gaps: Both can have gaps due to rollbacks or deletions, but sequences may make it easier to manage this behavior if needed.
In short, choose a sequence if you need more control or cross-table usage. Use identity if you just want a simple, automatic unique ID per table.
That’s basically it — they serve similar needs but in different ways depending on your use case.
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