title: Should I use != or <> for not equal in T-SQL?
body: <p>I have seen <code>SQL</code> that uses both <code>!=</code> and <code>&lt;&gt;</code> for <strong><em>not equal</em></strong>. What is the preferred syntax and why?</p>
  
  <p>I like <code>!=</code>, because <code>&lt;&gt;</code> reminds me of <code>Visual Basic</code>.</p>