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.

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SQL EXISTS Explained

The SQL EXISTS predicate is used to specify a test for a non-empty set. It returns TRUE or FALSE, depending on the outcome of the test.

When we incorporate the EXISTS predicate operator into our SQL queries, we specify a subquery to test for the existence of rows. If there are any rows, then the subquery is TRUE. If there are no rows, then the subquery is FALSE.

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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.

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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.

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