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.
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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 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.
Understanding the LIMIT Clause in SQL
Some of the major relational database management systems (RDBMSs) have a LIMIT clause that enables us to reduce the number of rows returned by a query.
The way it works is that we provide the number of rows we want to be returned by the query. We can also provide an offset to specify which row to start the count from.
RANK() vs DENSE_RANK() in SQL: What’s the Difference?
Many RDBMSs include both a rank() and a dense_rank() function in their list of window function offerings. At first glance, these functions might appear to do the same thing. However, there’s one important difference between these functions, and you will definitely need to be aware of this difference when choosing which function to use.
Using the ROW_NUMBER() Function to get Row Numbers in SQL
The SQL ROW_NUMBER() function is a window function that assigns and returns a row number of each row in a query partition or result set. Numbering starts at 1 and increments sequentially.
This enables us to add a “row number” column to our queries.
An Introduction to the MEDIAN() Function in SQL
Some relational database management systems (RDBMSs) have a MEDIAN() function that calculates the median value within a range of values.
It returns the middle value or an interpolated value that would be the middle value once the values are sorted.
The SQL MEDIAN() function typically operates on numeric expressions, but depending on the RDBMS, may also operate on other data types, such as datetime expressions.
Depending on the RDBMS, the MEDIAN() function can be used as a window function, as an aggregate function, or as both.
Introduction to the PERCENTILE_DISC() Function in SQL
Some SQL databases have a PERCENTILE_DISC() function that calculates a percentile based on a discrete distribution of a range of column values.
We specify the percentile to use when we call the function.
Depending on the DBMS, PERCENTILE_DISC() can be used as a window function, as an aggregate function, or as both.
The PERCENTILE_DISC() function always returns a value from the underlying data. This is in contrast to the PERCENTILE_CONT() function, which can interpolate between adjacent values to return a value that’s not in the underlying data.
