In SQL Server, LEFT_SHIFT() is a bit manipulation function that returns the first argument bit-shifted left by the number of bits specified in the second argument.
The LEFT_SHIFT() function was introduced in SQL Server 2022.
Tag: functions
Understanding the Difference Between MAX() and GREATEST() in SQL Server
SQL Server 2022 introduced the GREATEST() function that returns the maximum value from a list of values. You may be thinking, “but there’s already a MAX() function that returns the maximum value, so why the need for another function that does the same thing?”.
Well here’s the thing – they don’t do the same thing. They’re actually quite different functions, used in different scenarios.
If you’re wondering what the difference is between the MAX() and GREATEST() functions, read on to find out.
3 Reasons GENERATE_SERIES() Returns an Empty Result Set in SQL Server
If you’re using SQL Server’s GENERATE_SERIES() function/relational operator and you’re getting an empty result set, then it could be due to one of the following reasons.
Introduction to the JSON_PATH_EXISTS() Function in SQL Server
From SQL Server 2022 we can use the JSON_PATH_EXISTS() function to test whether a specified SQL/JSON path exists in the input JSON string.
It’s similar to the JSON_CONTAINS_PATH() function that’s available in MySQL and MariaDB.
Understanding the JSON_ARRAY() Function in SQL Server
In SQL Server, we can use the JSON_ARRAY() function to construct JSON array text from zero or more expressions.
The resulting array contains the values we provide as arguments. Providing zero expressions results in an empty array.
Continue readingAn Introduction to the JSON_OBJECT() Function in SQL Server
In SQL Server, we can use the JSON_OBJECT() function to construct JSON object text from zero or more expressions.
The resulting object contains the key/value pairs that we provide as arguments. Providing zero expressions results in an empty object.
Continue readingWhy GENERATE_SERIES() Only Returns the First Value in the Series in SQL Server
If you’re using the GENERATE_SERIES() function to create a series of numbers, but you’re finding that only the first value in the series is returned, it could be something very obvious.
The obvious reason this could happen is that your step value is too big. In particular, if the step is so big that it covers the whole series, then it stands to reason that there will only be one value in the series.
If this is an issue for you, you might want to check that you’re using an appropriate step value. Using a smaller step value can help to create a series with more values.
Continue readingImprovements to the TRIM(), LTRIM() and RTRIM() Functions in SQL Server 2022
The release of SQL Server 2022 in November 2022 introduced a bunch of new functionality, including some enhancements to the TRIM(), LTRIM() and RTRIM() functions.
The enhancements in the LTRIM() and RTRIM() functions are different to those in the TRIM() function. Below is a quick overview of the enhancements to these functions, along with examples.
Introduction to the GENERATE_SERIES() Function in SQL Server
In SQL Server, the GENERATE_SERIES() function is a relational operator that returns a series of values between a given start and stop point. These are returned in a single-column table.
Although the GENERATE_SERIES() function only works with numeric values, we can combine it with other functions to create a series of dates.
The GENERATE_SERIES() function was introduced in SQL Server 2022 (16.x) and requires the compatibility level to be at least 160.
Understanding the DATE_BUCKET() Function in SQL Server
The release of SQL Server 2022 came with the introduction of the DATE_BUCKET() function.
The DATE_BUCKET() function allows us to arrange data into groups that represent fixed intervals of time. It returns the date/time value that corresponds to the start of each date/time bucket, as defined by the arguments passed to the function.