We can use the OVER() clause to create window functions in our SQL queries. A window function can be a useful tool that allows us to do things like compute moving averages, rank items, calculate cumulative sums, and much more.
Another common task for a window function might be to compute subtotals.
Continue readingSometimes when we run SQL queries we might want to group the results by a given column. A common way to do this is with the GROUP BY clause.
But sometimes the GROUP BY clause isn’t enough.
Sometimes we want the results presented in a way that the GROUP BY clause doesn’t cater for. The GROUP BY is perfect if we want to collapse groups of rows into a single row, so that we can get an aggregate value for each set of collapsed rows. But sometimes we don’t want this. Sometimes we want to see all of the rows, as well as the aggregate values.
This is where the PARTITION BY clause comes in.
When running SQL database queries, sometimes we need to use a window function in order to get the results we’re looking for. A window function is an aggregate-like function that enables partitioning and ordering of data within a result set.
The OVER clause is what enables us to create a window function.
The examples below demonstrate how we can incorporate the OVER clause in our SQL queries.
Window functions can be a useful tool when writing SQL queries. They allow us to include aggregate data across multiple rows without getting those pesky errors that sometimes occur when we try to use an aggregate function in the wrong way.
In this article, I aim to provide a simple overview of window functions and how they can be used to provide a more useful result set when running SQL queries.
Continue readingBehind every well-structured and organised SQL database lies a treasure trove of information called metadata. Metadata is data that provides information about other data. In relational database management systems, this metadata can typically include information like the names of databases, tables, columns, the data type of a column, access privileges, and much more.
The SQL standard provides a collection of tables/views that allow us to view metadata about the objects in the database. The SQL standard refers to this as the information schema and calls it INFORMATION_SCHEMA.
When learning SQL, a common mistake when checking for NULL values is to use an equality operator. In SQL, a NULL value is treated a bit differently to other values.
In SQL we use IS NULL instead of = NULL. Likewise, we use IS NOT NULL instead of <> NULL or != NULL to select those columns that don’t have a NULL value.
Some RDBMSs provide an easy way for us to find out how many rows were affected by the last SQL statement. This can be handy when running INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE statements.
The method used depends on the DBMS we’re using. Below, I look at how some of the major DBMSs implement this functionality.
Continue readingIn the world of database management systems (DBMSs) and computer programming, CRUD is an acronym that stands for Create, Read, Update, and Delete. These are considered to be the four basic operations of persistent storage.
Let’s take a look at how CRUD fits into database management systems and programming in general.
Continue readingWhen using relational database management systems (RDBMSs) we often hear terms like DDL, DML, DQL, DCL, and TCL. But what exactly are they?
In this article we’ll look at what TCL stands for in the context of SQL, and what it does.
Continue readingWhen using relational database management systems (RDBMSs) we often hear terms like DDL, DML, DQL, TCL, and DCL. But what exactly are they?
In this article we’ll look at what DCL stands for in the context of SQL, and what it does.
Continue reading