SQL SUBSTR Example & Visual explanation | #shorts #sqlinterview #sql #sqlserver #database #oracle

SQL SUBSTR Example & Visual Explanation | #shorts #sqlinterview #sql #sqlserver #database #oracle

The SUBSTR function in SQL is a powerful tool for extracting specific parts of a string. This function operates using the following syntax:

SELECT SUBSTR(string, start_position, length);

Here, start_position indicates where to begin the extraction, while the length parameter is optional and specifies the number of characters to extract. If length is omitted, the function extracts all characters up to the end of the string.

Example 1: Extracting Substring from product_code

In this example, the SUBSTR function extracts five characters starting from the sixth position of the product_code column.

SELECT SUBSTR(product_code, 6, 5) AS extracted_code
FROM products;

If product_code is prod12345, this function will extract 12345.

Example 2: Extracting Substring from full_name

In the second example, the SUBSTR function extracts the first three characters from the full_name column.

SELECT SUBSTR(full_name, 1, 3) AS extracted_name
FROM users;

For a full_name like John Doe, this function will extract Joh.

Additional Notes

• A negative start_position counts from the end of the string.
• If length is omitted, the function will extract up to the end of the string.

This function is particularly handy for tasks like data parsing, text analysis, and formatting output. In summary, SUBSTR is your go-to function for powerful string manipulation in SQL.

Keywords

• SQL
• SUBSTR Function
• String Extraction
• Data Parsing
• Text Analysis
• Formatting Output

FAQ

1. What does the SUBSTR function do in SQL?
The SUBSTR function in SQL extracts a substring from a specified position in a string. It's useful for data parsing, text analysis, and formatting output.

2. How do you specify where the extraction should begin in SUBSTR?
You specify the starting point using the start_position parameter. This can be either a positive or negative integer.

3. Is the length parameter mandatory in the SUBSTR function?
No, the length parameter is optional. If omitted, the function will extract all characters from the starting position to the end of the string.

4. What happens if you use a negative start_position?
A negative start_position will count from the end of the string, rather than the beginning.

5. Can you provide an example of using the SUBSTR function?
Certainly! For instance, SUBSTR('product_code', 6, 5) extracts five characters starting from the sixth position in product_code. For product_code = 'prod12345', this returns 12345.

6. What are some practical applications of the SUBSTR function?
This function is useful for tasks like extracting specific parts of data for parsing, text analysis, or formatting output in reports.