title: Stored procedure to modify bit flag, can't use Enums since many apps will be modifying it, what should I do?
body: <p>There is a column in a database that is of type INT (Sql server).</p>
  
  <p>This int value is used at a bit flag, so I will be AND'ing and OR'ing on it.</p>
  
  <p>I have to pass a parameter into my sproc, and that parameter will represent a specific flag item.</p>
  
  <p><b>I would normally use an enumeration and pass the int representation to the sproc</b>, but since many different modules will be accessing it it won't be practicial for them all to have my enum definition (if it is changed, it will be a headache to roll it out).</p>
  
  <p>So should I use a 'string' or a magic-number as the parameter value, then in my sproc I will do:</p>
  
  <pre><code>IF(@blah = 'approved')
  BEGIN
        // bit banging here
  END
  </code></pre>