SQL Functions

SQL Functions

Functions are a very powerful feature of SQL. They can be used to do the following:

• Perform calculations on data

• Modify individual data items

• Manipulate output for groups of rows

• Format dates and numbers for display

• Convert column data types

SQL functions sometimes take arguments and always return a value.

Two Types of SQL Functions

There are two types of functions:

• Single-row functions

• Multiple-row functions

Single-Row Functions

These functions operate on single rows only and return one result per row. There are different types

of single-row functions. This lesson covers the following functions:

• Character

• Number

• Date

• Conversion

• General

Multiple-Row Functions

Functions can manipulate groups of rows to give one result per group of rows. These functions are

also known as group functions.