>>>>>SQL Server is all about set-based operations. If you can perform your process with set-based, it will be better than using cursors.
>>>>>If there is absolutely no set-based alternative, then I suggest to read Brad Schulz series about cursors
>>>>>
>>>>>The Truth about Cursors - Part 1
>>>>>
>>>>>and other parts.
>>>>
>>>>I'm not sure what you mean by set based operations
>>>>
>>>>Thanks
>>>
>>>If in your previous post you were talking about temporary storage of the query result (this is what VFP cursors are), then in SQL Server you can use
>>>1. CTE (common table expression) or derived table - the result of CTE must be used in a next statement (e.g. it can hold data only 'once')
>>>2. Temp table (table that starts with # sign and stored in TempDB)
>>>3. Table variable (can be used if you're not producing a large set).
>>
>>How long does a temporary table (option 2) persist ?
>>
>>Thanks
>
>Until the connection closes that created it or until you explicitly drop it with DROP command. (Or, of course, if SQL Server is re-started and TempDB re-created).

Ok

I'm running a stored procedure in management studio selecting data into #new_member_list
If I then try to select from #new_member_list I get Invalid object name '#new_member_list'.

I know my stored proedure is selecting data as if I select into a table I get results.

So what do you think I might be getting wrong.

Thanks