In SQL Server, the APPROX_PERCENTILE_CONT() function calculates and returns an approximate percentile based on a continuous distribution of the column value. This is an interpolated value from the set of values in a group based on percentile value and sort specification.
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Understanding the AVG() Function in SQL Server
Like most other RDBMSs, SQL Server has an AVG() function that returns the average of the values in a group.
Below are examples that demonstrate how the AVG() function works in SQL Server.
Introduction to the GREATEST() Function in SQL Server
In SQL Server, the GREATEST() function returns the maximum value from a list of one or more expressions.
The GREATEST() function was introduced in SQL Server 2022 (along with the LEAST() function).
An Overview of the LEAST() Function in SQL Server
SQL Server 2022 introduced the LEAST() and GREATEST() functions, which allow us to get the minimum or maximum value from a list of expressions.
The LEAST() function returns the minimum value from a list of one or more expressions.
Understanding the DISTINCT ON Option in PostgreSQL
Most major RDBMSs support the DISTINCT clause, which allows us to get unique – or “distinct” – rows from our SQL queries. But PostgreSQL’s implementation of this clause has an extra option that most other RDBMSs don’t include.
PostgreSQL allows us to include the ON() option when using DISTINCT. This enables us to specify exactly which columns should be evaluated by the DISTINCT modifier, while simultaneously allowing us to return columns that aren’t evaluated.
A Quick Introduction to the NTILE() Function in SQL
Many SQL databases have a window function called NTILE() function that divides a rowset or partition into a given number of groups (buckets). The function typically returns the bucket number of the current row within its partition.
How to Use the DISTINCT Clause in SQL
Most of the major relational database management systems (RDBMSs) allow for a DISTINCT clause to be included in our SQL queries.
We use the DISTINCT keyword to return only unique rows. It eliminates duplicates from the results. If we have two or more rows with exactly the same data, we’ll only see one row in the results.
Understanding the OFFSET Clause in Oracle
In Oracle Database, we can use the OFFSET clause to make a SELECT statement skip a certain number of rows in its result set.
The OFFSET clause is defined as part of the FETCH row limiting clause, which allows us to limit the number of rows returned by a query.
We can therefore use both OFFSET and FETCH to limit the output to just the specified number or percentage of rows, at a specified offset.
Understanding the LAG() Function in SQL
The LAG() function is a window function that’s available in many SQL databases. It returns the value of a given expression from the row that lags (precedes) the current row by a given number of rows within its partition.
In other words, the LAG() function returns a value from a previous row.
An Introduction to the LEAD() Function in SQL
Many relational database management systems (RDBMSs) have a LEAD() function that allows us to retrieve a value from a following row.
The SQL LEAD() function returns the value of a given expression from the row that leads (follows) the current row by a given number of rows within its partition.