title: When to use Count(*) and Count(1) in Sql Server 2008
body: <p>I was wondering what is difference between Count(*) and Count(1) for the query optimization. On researching on it I came across <a href="http://asktom.oracle.com/pls/asktom/f?p=100:11:0%3a%3a%3a%3aP11_QUESTION_ID:1156159920245" rel="nofollow">Ask Tom</a> which is for <code>oracle</code> and states that both are identical in terms of time taken for execution.</p>
  
  <ol>
  <li>Is is also applicable to <code>SQL Server 2008</code>?</li>
  <li>And if yes then why are there are two diff function for the same?</li>
  <li>If no which to use for better optimization? </li>
  <li>Are there any cases where should we use Count(*) over Count(1) and vice-a-verse </li>
  </ol>