Dynamic PIVOT in T-SQL or somewhere else?

Question

In a
recent thread on dynamic SQL, the issue of dynamic PIVOT came up.
Dynamic PIVOT can be implemented in T-SQL with dynamic SQL:
Pivots with Dynamic Columns in SQL Server 2005
http://sqlhints.com/2014/03/18/dynamic-pivot-in-sql-server/
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/10404348/sql-server-dynamic-pivot-query
http://www.sqlusa.com/bestpractices2005/dynamicpivot/
Alternatives:
1. Enhancement by MS to the current static PIVOT which has limited use since it is not data-driven
2. Use SSRS which has built-in dynamic columns
3. Use client app
What is your opinion? Is it OK to use dynamic SQL for dynamic PIVOT?
Kalman Toth Database & OLAP Architect
SQL Server 2014 Design & Programming
New Book / Kindle: Exam 70-461 Bootcamp: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012

Answer 1

solution elsewhere, for instance with Tablix in SSRS. Pivoting a result set in C# should not be too difficult
But I could do it much faster in T-SQL with dynamic SQL. 
If your shop has a reporting system like SSRS and the request is for permanent report, then by all means, SSRS is the choice with built-in dynamic columns.
C#? I used to know C/C++. So that is not a choice for me. On the other hand, if you are competent in C#, then it may be a better choice, or it may not.
I'm not sure why people tend to shy away from dynamic SQL, for me, I've never had any problems or issues. Is there any specific reason for this?
Maybe the multiple single quotes like '''' in concatenation of the dynamic SQL string? When one looks at the following example, it is easy to see that dynamic SQL adds a new level of complexity to static SQL. Yet, the complexity pays off with incredible
dynamic SQL programming power.
BLOG: Building Dynamic SQL In a Stored Procedure
Code example from the blog:
/* This stored procedure builds dynamic SQL and executes
using sp_executesql */
Create Procedure sp_EmployeeSelect
/* Input Parameters */
@EmployeeName NVarchar(100),
@Department NVarchar(50),
@Designation NVarchar(50),
@StartDate DateTime,
@EndDate DateTime,
@Salary Decimal(10,2)
AS
Set NoCount ON
/* Variable Declaration */
Declare @SQLQuery AS NVarchar(4000)
Declare @ParamDefinition AS NVarchar(2000)
/* Build the Transact-SQL String with the input parameters */
Set @SQLQuery = 'Select * From tblEmployees where (1=1) '
/* check for the condition and build the WHERE clause accordingly */
If @EmployeeName Is Not Null
Set @SQLQuery = @SQLQuery + ' And (EmployeeName = @EmployeeName)'
If @Department Is Not Null
Set @SQLQuery = @SQLQuery + ' And (Department = @Department)'
If @Designation Is Not Null
Set @SQLQuery = @SQLQuery + ' And (Designation = @Designation)'
If @Salary Is Not Null
Set @SQLQuery = @SQLQuery + ' And (Salary >= @Salary)'
If (@StartDate Is Not Null) AND (@EndDate Is Not Null)
Set @SQLQuery = @SQLQuery + ' And (JoiningDate
BETWEEN @StartDate AND @EndDate)'
/* Specify Parameter Format for all input parameters included
in the stmt */
Set @ParamDefinition = ' @EmployeeName NVarchar(100),
@Department NVarchar(50),
@Designation NVarchar(50),
@StartDate DateTime,
@EndDate DateTime,
@Salary Decimal(10,2)'
/* Execute the Transact-SQL String with all parameter value's
Using sp_executesql Command */
Execute sp_Executesql @SQLQuery,
@ParamDefinition,
@EmployeeName,
@Department,
@Designation,
@StartDate,
@EndDate,
@Salary
If @@ERROR <> 0 GoTo ErrorHandler
Set NoCount OFF
Return(0)
ErrorHandler:
Return(@@ERROR)
GO
LINK:
http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/20815/Building-Dynamic-SQL-In-a-Stored-Procedure
Kalman Toth Database & OLAP Architect
SQL Server 2014 Design & Programming
New Book / Kindle: Exam 70-461 Bootcamp: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012