Take your SQL from Good to Great: Part 4

This is part 4 of a 4-part series on some of my most valued SQL ‘hacks’.

Check out the others in the series:

Part 1: Common Table Expressions

Part 2: All about those dates

Part 3: The other JOINs

Part 4: Window Functions

Part 5: User-Defined Functions

Intro

Window functions are some of the most beloved functionality for SQL users. They are very powerful, and quickly eliminate the need for nested subqueries and annoying cross joining.

Yet, due to their insanely verbose implementation and unhelpful keywords, many people are afraid to dive into the window function waters. This article will give a brief intro to the workings of window functions before diving into some of my favorite window function use cases.