SQL Examples

SQL Subquery Example

SQL Scalar Subquery

Scalar subquery in WHERE returns a single value for filtering.

Introduction to Scalar Subqueries

Scalar subqueries are a powerful feature in SQL that allows you to include a subquery in the WHERE clause of a main query. These subqueries return a single value, which you can use for filtering the main query results. Scalar subqueries are particularly useful for comparisons or checking conditions against a specific aggregated or calculated value.

Basic Syntax of Scalar Subqueries

The basic syntax for a scalar subquery is quite simple. It involves placing a subquery in parentheses where the subquery is expected to return a single value. Here is the general structure:

Example: Finding Employees with Maximum Salary

Consider a scenario where you want to find employees who have the maximum salary in a company. You can use a scalar subquery to determine the maximum salary and then filter employees based on this value.

Example: Filtering Orders by Latest Date

Suppose you need to retrieve all orders made on the most recent date in the orders table. A scalar subquery can help determine the latest order date, which you can then use to filter the orders.

Advantages of Using Scalar Subqueries

  • Simplicity: Scalar subqueries provide a straightforward way to include complex conditions within a WHERE clause without needing additional joins.
  • Flexibility: They allow for dynamic data filtering based on calculated values or aggregates.
  • Readability: Using scalar subqueries can make SQL queries more intuitive and easier to understand when dealing with nested queries.

Limitations and Considerations

While scalar subqueries are useful, there are some limitations and considerations to be aware of:

  • Performance: Scalar subqueries can lead to performance issues if not used carefully, especially if the subquery is complex or involves large datasets.
  • Single Value Expectation: The subquery must return exactly one value. If it returns more than one, an error will occur.