Is SQL Between Inclusive?
In the world of SQL (Structured Query Language), the BETWEEN operator is a fundamental tool used to filter rows based on a specified range of values. However, there is often confusion regarding whether the BETWEEN operator is inclusive or exclusive of the endpoints. In this article, we will delve into the topic of whether SQL BETWEEN is inclusive and explore the implications of this behavior.
Understanding the BETWEEN Operator
The BETWEEN operator is used to filter rows between two values, inclusive or exclusive, depending on the syntax. It is commonly used in the WHERE clause of SQL queries to select records that fall within a specific range. The syntax for the BETWEEN operator is as follows:
“`sql
SELECT column_name
FROM table_name
WHERE column_name BETWEEN value1 AND value2;
“`
In this syntax, `value1` and `value2` represent the lower and upper bounds of the range, respectively. The BETWEEN operator checks if the column value falls within the specified range, including both endpoints.
Is SQL BETWEEN Inclusive?
The answer to whether SQL BETWEEN is inclusive is yes. By default, the BETWEEN operator includes both the lower and upper bounds in the range. This means that if you use the BETWEEN operator with the syntax mentioned earlier, the query will return rows where the column value is greater than or equal to `value1` and less than or equal to `value2`.
For example, consider the following query:
“`sql
SELECT
FROM employees
WHERE salary BETWEEN 50000 AND 100000;
“`
This query will return all employees whose salary is between $50,000 and $100,000, inclusive. This includes employees with salaries of $50,000 and $100,000.
Alternative Syntax: BETWEEN EXCLUSIVE
While the default behavior of the BETWEEN operator is inclusive, it is also possible to use an alternative syntax to make it exclusive. By adding a parenthesis after the lower bound and before the upper bound, you can make the BETWEEN operator exclusive. The syntax for an exclusive BETWEEN operator is as follows:
“`sql
SELECT column_name
FROM table_name
WHERE column_name > value1 AND column_name < value2;
```
In this syntax, the query will return rows where the column value is greater than `value1` and less than `value2`, effectively excluding the endpoints.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SQL BETWEEN operator is inclusive by default, meaning it includes both the lower and upper bounds in the specified range. However, you can use an alternative syntax to make it exclusive if needed. Understanding the behavior of the BETWEEN operator is crucial for writing accurate and effective SQL queries.
