Unlock the Power of SQL Operators

The Building Blocks of SQL

SQL operators are the unsung heroes of database management. These symbols and keywords perform operations with values, making it possible to extract insights from vast amounts of data. They work in tandem with SQL clauses like SELECT, WHERE, and ON to help you get the most out of your data.

Crunching Numbers: Arithmetic Operators

Arithmetic operators are the mathematicians of the SQL world. They perform simple yet essential operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. With these operators, you can:

• Add values together using the + operator:

  SELECT 2 + 3;

• Subtract one value from another using the - operator:

  SELECT 5 - 2;

• Multiply values using the * operator:

  SELECT 4 * 5;

• Divide values using the / operator:

  SELECT 10 / 2;

• Calculate the remainder of a division operation using the % operator:

  SELECT 17 % 5;

Comparing Values: Comparison Operators

Comparison operators are the judges of the SQL world. They evaluate two values and return either 1 (true) or 0 (false). With these operators, you can:

• Check if two values are equal using the = operator:

  SELECT 1 = 1;

• Determine if one value is less than another using the < operator:

  SELECT 2 < 3;

• Find out if one value is greater than another using the > operator:

  SELECT 3 > 2;

• Check if a value is less than or equal to another using the <= operator:

  SELECT 2 <= 2;

• Determine if a value is greater than or equal to another using the >= operator:

  SELECT 3 >= 2;

• Identify if two values are not equal using the != or <> operator:

  SELECT 1!= 2;

Logic and Reason: Logical Operators

Logical operators are the strategists of the SQL world. They help you combine multiple conditions to create complex queries. With these operators, you can:

• Use ANY and ALL to evaluate a list of values:

  SELECT * FROM table WHERE column = ANY (value1, value2, value3);

• Combine conditions using AND, OR, and NOT:

  SELECT * FROM table WHERE condition1 AND condition2;

• Check if a value falls within a range using BETWEEN:

  SELECT * FROM table WHERE column BETWEEN value1 AND value2;

• Verify the existence of a value using EXISTS:

  SELECT * FROM table WHERE EXISTS (subquery);

• Search for a value within a list using IN:

  SELECT * FROM table WHERE column IN (value1, value2, value3);

• Match patterns using LIKE:

  SELECT * FROM table WHERE column LIKE '%pattern%';

• Identify null values using IS NULL:

  SELECT * FROM table WHERE column IS NULL;

By mastering these SQL operators, you’ll be able to unlock the full potential of your data and make informed decisions with confidence.