Is there a syntax that will allow me to exclude certain columns versus explicitly stating every column that I want?

Hi,

If it is hard for you to type each column in a SELECT statement for a table with many columns :

Try these ,

1.) Under Object Explorer , goto Database - > Expand that table - > then drag&drop the desired columns

2.)Enabling Intellisence will help you in typing the required columns quickly - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms173743.aspx

3.)Try below dynamic code :

USE [AdventureWorks2012]
GO
--Consider if you want eliminate StartTime,EndTime & ModifiedDate from SELECT list
DECLARE @Columns VARCHAR(MAX)
SELECT @Columns = COALESCE(@Columns+', ','' )+name  
FROM Sys.Columns
WHERE Object_name(Object_id) = 'Shift'
AND name NOT IN ('StartTime','EndTime','ModifiedDate') 
--SELECT @Columns
EXEC ('SELECT '+@Columns+' FROM HumanResources.Shift')

As per my knowledge , Yes i do agree that there is no direct solution like you asked for :)

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