Structured Query Language (SQL) is a widely used database management system that enables users to search, retrieve, and manipulate data from tables. A subquery is a powerful tool in SQL that provides a more efficient method of retrieving data from multiple tables.
Subqueries enable users to perform complex operations that would be difficult or impossible with a single query. In this article, we will explore the different types of SQL subqueries, their definitions, use cases, and examples.
Art galleries database example
To illustrate the use of SQL subqueries, let us consider an example database of art galleries. This database contains tables such as artists, paintings, sales agents, galleries, and sales.
Each table contains columns with specific data related to the table’s purpose. For example, the paintings table contains columns such as painting_id, artist_id, title, and price.
The sales table contains columns such as sale_id, painting_id, sale_date, and agency_fee.
Types of SQL Subqueries
There are three types of SQL subqueries: scalar subqueries, multiple-row subqueries, and correlated subqueries. Each type has specific use cases and syntax that differ slightly from one another.
Scalar Subqueries
A scalar subquery returns a single value, which is used in a WHERE clause to filter results. For example, suppose we want to retrieve all paintings that have a price higher than the average price of all paintings in the gallery.
We can use a scalar subquery to calculate the average price and then use it in the WHERE clause to filter results.
SELECT *
FROM paintings
WHERE price > (SELECT AVG(price) FROM paintings);
In this example, the subquery returns a single value, which is the average price of all paintings in the gallery. The main query then uses this value in the WHERE clause to retrieve all paintings with a price higher than the average price.
Multiple-Row Subqueries
A multiple-row subquery returns multiple rows, which are used in a WHERE clause to filter results. For example, suppose we want to retrieve all sales agents who have an average agency fee lower than the average agency fee of non-managers.
We can use a multiple-row subquery to retrieve the average agency fee of all non-managers and then use this value in the WHERE clause to filter results.
SELECT *
FROM sales_agents
WHERE agency_fee < (SELECT AVG(agency_fee)
FROM sales
WHERE sales_agent_id NOT IN (SELECT sales_agent_id
FROM sales
WHERE manager_id IS NOT NULL));
In this example, the subquery retrieves the average agency fee of all non-managers by excluding sales made by managers. The main query then uses this value in the WHERE clause to retrieve all sales agents with an average agency fee lower than the average agency fee of non-managers.
Correlated Subqueries
A correlated subquery is dependent on the outer query and is executed once for each row returned by the outer query. Correlated subqueries are useful when the subquery needs to reference data from the outer query.
For example, suppose we want to retrieve the number of paintings for each gallery along with the name of the gallery.
SELECT gallery_name,
(SELECT COUNT(*)
FROM paintings
WHERE gallery_id = galleries.gallery_id) as num_paintings
FROM galleries;
In this example, the subquery is executed once for each row returned by the outer query and retrieves the number of paintings for each gallery by referencing the gallery_id column from the outer query.
The main query then retrieves the gallery_name column and the number of paintings for each gallery.
SELECT sales_agent_id,
(SELECT COUNT(*)
FROM sales
WHERE sales.galleries_id = galleries.galleries_id) as num_sales
FROM sales
JOIN galleries ON sales.galleries_id = galleries.galleries_id;
In this example, we join the sales and galleries tables and retrieve the sales_agent_id column and the number of sales for each sales agent. The correlated subquery references the galleries_id column from the sales table and the galleries table to retrieve the number of sales for each gallery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SQL subqueries are a powerful tool in database management systems that provide a more efficient method of retrieving data from multiple tables. Scalar subqueries return a single value, multiple-row subqueries return multiple rows, and correlated subqueries are dependent on the outer query.
Each type has specific use cases and syntax that differ slightly from one another. By mastering SQL subqueries, users can perform complex operations that would be difficult or impossible with a single query.
3) Advantages of Common Table Expressions (CTEs)
In addition to subqueries, Common Table Expressions (CTEs) are another powerful tool in SQL that allow users to retrieve and analyze complex data from multiple tables. CTEs provide a clear and concise method of creating temporary tables within a query, which can be referenced multiple times.
This leads to improved query performance and code readability compared to subqueries.
Comparison to subqueries
CTEs and subqueries both provide a way to organize data from multiple tables. However, CTEs provide a more efficient and readable method of doing so.
CTEs can be used to create a temporary table that can be referenced multiple times in a query, making it easier to read and modify the code. Alternatively, subqueries can only be used once within a query and can make the code more convoluted and difficult to read.
For example, let's say we want to retrieve all sales agents and their total sales for the year 2021. We can use a CTE to create a temporary table with the necessary data, and then reference it twice within the query to retrieve the sales data.
Here's an example:
WITH sales_data AS (
SELECT sales_agent_id, SUM(price) as total_sales
FROM sales
JOIN paintings ON sales.painting_id = paintings.painting_id
WHERE YEAR(sales_date) = 2021
GROUP BY sales_agent_id
)
SELECT sales_agents.sales_agent_id,
sales_agents.first_name,
sales_agents.last_name,
sales_data.total_sales
FROM sales_agents
JOIN sales_data ON sales_agents.sales_agent_id = sales_data.sales_agent_id;
In this example, the CTE sales_data creates a temporary table with the total sales for each sales agent in the year 2021. This table is then referenced twice within the query to retrieve the sales data for each sales agent.
On the other hand, if we were to use a subquery to retrieve the same data, the query would be more complex and less readable:
SELECT sales_agents.sales_agent_id,
sales_agents.first_name,
sales_agents.last_name,
(SELECT SUM(price)
FROM sales
JOIN paintings ON sales.painting_id = paintings.painting_id
WHERE sales.sales_agent_id = sales_agents.sales_agent_id AND YEAR(sales_date) = 2021) as total_sales
FROM sales_agents;
In this example, the subquery retrieves the total sales for each sales agent in the year 2021, but it is nested within the main query and can only be used once.
4) Practicing SQL Subqueries
Practice is essential to mastering SQL subqueries and CTEs. By practicing regularly, users can improve their query-writing skills, improve their efficiency in retrieving data, and gain a better understanding of database management systems.
Importance of practice
SQL subqueries and CTEs can be complex, and it may take time to understand their syntax and implementation. By practicing regularly, users can improve their understanding of these tools and become more efficient in retrieving data.
Practice allows users to familiarize themselves with different scenarios and use cases for these tools, which can prepare them for more advanced SQL queries.
Available resources and exercises
Several resources are available to practice SQL subqueries and CTEs. One of the best places to start is with a basic SQL course. These courses can provide a solid foundation in SQL and introduce users to subqueries and CTEs. Examining sample SQL queries and modeling real-world scenarios is another great way to practice.
Additionally, there are many SQL Practice Sets available on the internet that offer interactive exercises to improve SQL skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, practicing SQL subqueries and CTEs is essential to mastering these tools and becoming more efficient in retrieving data from database management systems. CTEs provide a more efficient and readable method of organizing data from multiple tables compared to subqueries.
By practicing regularly and familiarizing themselves with different scenarios and use cases, users can become experts in SQL and improve their query-writing skills. In conclusion, SQL subqueries and Common Table Expressions (CTEs) are powerful tools in database management systems that enable users to retrieve and analyze complex data from multiple tables.
By mastering these tools and practicing regularly, users can become more efficient in retrieving data and improving their query-writing skills. CTEs provide a more efficient and readable method of retrieving data compared to subqueries.
Continuous practice, familiarity with different scenarios, and use cases can prepare users for more advanced SQL queries. In the vast world of database management, SQL subqueries and CTEs provide users with essential skills to efficiently retrieve information from databases.