Even though the SQL value is a string, SQL Server executes the string as if it is SQL code. Transact SQL, or T-SQL, provides you with the language to create the dynamic code.

This is a pain when trying to display the amounts on a VB form and having to reformat .00 to 0.00.<BR>I am thinking of just using null and >0 values instead of allowing a zero value. <BR><BR>So ...

Tim Chapman discusses your iteration choices in SQL Server 2008 and explains why determining which option performs better depends on the situation.