In MySQL, the FIRST_VALUE() function is a window function that returns the value of the given expression from the first row of the window frame.
Tag: what is
Understanding the DENSE_RANK() Function in MySQL
In MySQL, the DENSE_RANK() function is a window function that returns the rank of the current row within its partition, without gaps.
By “without gaps” this means that it returns contiguous rank numbers whenever there are peers. Peers are considered ties and receive the same rank. In such cases, the next rank value is one greater than the current one (i.e. the one that the peers receive).
Continue readingUnderstanding the RANK() Function in MySQL
In MySQL, RANK() is a window function that returns the rank of the current row within its partition, with gaps.
By “gaps” this means that it returns noncontiguous rank numbers whenever there are peers. Peers are considered ties and receive the same rank, but in such cases, we get a gap between this rank value and the next rank value.
Continue readingUnderstanding the PERCENT_RANK() Function in MySQL
In MySQL, PERCENT_RANK() is a window function that returns the percentage of partition values less than the value in the current row, excluding the highest value.
We can use PERCENT_RANK() to evaluate the relative standing of a value within a query result set or partition. Return values range from 0 to 1.
Understanding the CUME_DIST() Function in MySQL
In MySQL, CUME_DIST() is a window function that returns the cumulative distribution of a value within a group of values. This is the percentage of partition values less than or equal to the value in the current row. The return values range from 0 to 1.
Understanding the sys.sys_get_config()Â Function in MySQL
In MySQL, we can use the sys.sys_get_config() function to get a configuration option value from the sys_config table.
Understanding the PARTITION BY Clause in SQL
Sometimes 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.
Understanding the WINDOW Clause in MySQL
In MySQL, the WINDOW clause is an optional clause that we can use to create a named window. The named window can then be referred to from a window function.
Many SQL developers define their window functions directly in the OVER clause. But that’s not the only way to do it. We can also define them in a WINDOW clause, and then refer to them in the OVER clause.
When we define the window function in a WINDOW clause, we name it. When we do this, we can refer to that name from the OVER clause. This eliminates the need to include the definition directly inside the OVER clause.
Introduction to the OVER Clause in SQL
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.
Understanding the sys.quote_identifier()Â Function in MySQL
In MySQL, we can use the sys.quote_identifier() function to quote a string to produce a result that can be used as an identifier in a SQL statement.
The string is returned enclosed by backticks (`), with each instance of a backtick doubled.
This function can be handy when a value to be used as an identifier is a reserved word or contains backtick characters.
Continue reading