In SQL, a UNIQUE key is a column or set of columns that can uniquely identify a row in a table. These are also candidate keys. Only one candidate key can become the primary key for a table. All other candidate keys can then be referred to as UNIQUE keys, given they can uniquely identify a row in a table.
SQL
SQL Joins with the USING Clause: How It Compares to the ON Clause
Perhaps one of the lesser-known clauses when it comes to SQL joins is the USING clause. While the more widely-used ON clause allows us to explicitly specify join conditions, the USING clause simplifies the syntax when the join is based on columns with the same name in both tables.
In this article, we’ll dive into the USING clause, compare it to the ON clause, and look at examples that illustrate the difference.
A Comparison of 6 SQL Rank Functions
SQL rank functions can be handy things to have when analysing data. Most major RDBMSs implement a similar bunch of ranking functions, usually with the same names. These rank functions allow us to assign rankings to rows based on specific criteria.
In this article, we’ll look at six commonly used SQL ranking functions, and observe how they differ. We’ll throw them all together into a single query and see their results side by side.
The rank functions in question are: ROW_NUMBER(), RANK(), DENSE_RANK(), NTILE(), PERCENT_RANK(), and CUME_DIST().
Understanding Common Table Expressions (CTEs): A Beginner’s Guide
Common table expressions (CTEs) are a feature that we can use in SQL to help simplify complex queries and enhance readability. They can help with things like code readability, performance, recursive queries, and more.
This article explores what CTEs are, their syntax, types, use cases, and best practices, along with examples to help illustrate their usage.
Understanding SQL Data Types: A Comprehensive Guide
Structured Query Language (SQL) is the backbone of relational database management systems (RDBMSs), enabling users to query, manipulate, and define data. One of the most fundamental concepts in SQL, and one that all SQL developers should understand, is the data type.
Whenever we create a column in SQL, we must define its data type. Similarly, when we create a variable, we define its data type.
So, why is the data type so important? Let’s find out.
What is a Junction Table in SQL?
A junction table, also known as an associative table or a bridge table, is a table used to manage many-to-many relationships between two other tables in a relational database.
In SQL, many-to-many relationships cannot be directly implemented using just two tables because each table’s foreign key can only relate to one other table’s primary key. Instead, a junction table is created to “link” the two tables together.
3 Quick Examples of SQL Subqueries in the WHERE Clause
SQL subqueries are like little helpers that fetch data for our main query. They’re super handy when we need to filter our results based on some other data in our database.
Probably the most common placement of a subquery in SQL is in the WHERE clause. Placing a subquery in the WHERE clause allows us to compare a column against a set of rows that match a certain criteria.
Let’s look at three quick examples of subqueries in the WHERE clause.
What is an ER Diagram?
An entity relationship (ER) diagram (also known as an ERD for Entity-Relationship Diagram) is a visual representation of the relationships between entities within a system. ER Diagrams are often used when designing relational databases. An ERD serves as a blueprint for designing a database by depicting entities, their attributes, and the relationships between them.
ER diagrams help in conceptualizing the structure of a database and serve as a communication tool between database designers, developers, and stakeholders.
What Does Deterministic Mean in SQL?
In SQL, a deterministic expression or function always returns the same result when given the same input. Conversely, a nondeterministic expression or function may return different results even with the same input due to factors like system time, randomization, or external data changes.
Below is a quick overview of the differences between deterministic and nondeterministic functions/expressions.
How SQL Constraints Work: A Beginner’s Overview
Constraints are an important concept in relational database management systems (RDBMSs). Whenever we design a database, we need to ensure that it will be able to enforce data integrity, by checking or restricting what the user can enter to only data that conforms to the rules of the database. That’s where a constraint can help.
This article explores what SQL constraints are, the various types available, their importance, and how they are implemented.