Queries: Selecting Data from a Table

The select command retrieves data stored in the rows and columns of database tables using a procedure called a query. A query has three main parts: the select clause, the from clause, and the where clause.

This chapter focuses on basic single-table select statements. Many sections contain sample statements that you can use to practice writing queries. If you want to integrate other Transact-SQL functionality, such as joins, subqueries, and aggregates, you can find more complex query examples later in this book.

What are queries?

select syntax

Choosing columns: the select clause

Choosing all columns: select *

Choosing specific columns

Rearranging the order of columns

Renaming columns in query results

Expressions

Selecting text and image values

Select list summary

Eliminating duplicate query results with distinct

Specifying tables: the from clause

Selecting rows: the where clause

Comparison operators

Ranges (between and not between)

Lists (in and not in)

Pattern matching

Matching character strings: like

Character strings and quotation marks

"Unknown" values: NULL

Connecting conditions with logical operators

Using the pubs2 and pubs3 sample
databases


	Expand Search