How to check if column exists in SQL Server table

The following queries may help you to check the existing column in SQL Server.

1- Using sys.columns

IF EXISTS(              SELECT Name              FROM sys.columns             WHERE Name = N'Col_Name'               AND Object_ID = Object_ID(N'Tbl_Name') ) BEGIN     print 'true' END

Note: It will return NULL if the user doesn't have permission to view the metadata because of sys.columns checks user access too.

2- INFORMATION_SCHEMA.columns

  if not exists (select

                     column_name

               from

                     INFORMATION_SCHEMA.columns

               where

                     table_name = 'MyTable'

                     and column_name = 'MyColumn')

    alter table MyTable add MyColumn int