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In my previous article, I explained how to use offset rows and fetch next statement. In this article, I will explain Dont's for Offset Rows and Fetch Next.

Let me explain it with simple examples.

Example 1 : (Fetch clause must be greater than zero)

USE AdventureWorks2012
GO
SELECT * FROM [HumanResources].[vEmployee]
ORDER BY [JobTitle]
OFFSET 10 ROWS
FETCH NEXT 0 ROWS ONLY
--OUTPUT

Msg 10744, Level 15, State 1, Line 4
The number of rows provided for a FETCH clause must be greater then zero.

Example 2 : (Offset clause must have integer only)

USE AdventureWorks2012
GO
SELECT * FROM [HumanResources].[vEmployee]
ORDER BY [JobTitle]
OFFSET 1.1 ROWS
FETCH NEXT 10 ROWS ONLY
--OUTPUT

Msg 10743, Level 15, State 1, Line 3
The number of rows provided for an OFFSET clause must be an integer.

Example 3 : (Offset clause may not be negative)

USE AdventureWorks2012
GO
SELECT * FROM [HumanResources].[vEmployee]
ORDER BY [JobTitle]
OFFSET -10 ROWS
FETCH NEXT 10 ROWS ONLY
--OUTPUT

Msg 10742, Level 15, State 1, Line 3
The offset specified in an OFFSET clause may not be negative.

Example 4 : (A Top cannot be used in the same query or sub query as an offset.)

USE AdventureWorks2012
GO
SELECT Top 5 * FROM [HumanResources].[vEmployee]
ORDER BY [JobTitle]
OFFSET 10 ROWS
FETCH NEXT 10 ROWS ONLY
--OUTPUT

Msg 10741, Level 15, State 2, Line 2
A TOP cannot be used in the same query or sub-query as an OFFSET.

If you know any other Dont’s, do share.

Reference : MSDN