Understanding NULL in BigQuery SQL

June 05, 2024 at 11:39:16 AM

Understanding NULL in BigQuery SQL

NULL in SQL represents the absence of a value and is distinct from an empty string or zero. Here are some key points about NULL:

Characteristics of NULL

  • Testing NULL in Lists: NULL IN (NULL) returns NULL.
  • Equality Checks: Both (NULL = NULL) and (NULL <> NULL) are not allowed.
  • Counting Rows: COUNT(column) counts non-null occurrences, while COUNT(*) or COUNT(1) counts all rows, including those with NULLs.
  • Aggregate Functions: Functions like SUM, COUNT, MIN, MAX, and AVG ignore rows with NULLs.
  • Sorting: By default, ORDER BY shows NULLs first when sorting in ascending order.
  • Joins: NULL values are not matched in joins since NULL is not comparable to another NULL.

Handling NULLs

  • IS NULL / IS NOT NULL: Checks if a value is or is not NULL.
  • COALESCE: Returns the first non-null value in a list.
  • IFNULL / ISNULL: Uses a backup value if the original is NULL.
  • NULLIF: Replaces a specified value with NULL.

Q&A

Have more questions on this topic? Ask our AI assistant for in-depth insights.

Read more from sources 👇

Constantin Lungu
Constantin Lungu

Top Creator

Top BigQuery Creator

Constantin Lungu is a Top BigQuery Creator. Part of Swipe Insight Select, a curated list of top creators.

Top BigQuery Creator
- NULL in SQL represents the absence of a value, distinct from an empty string or zero. Key points include: NULL cannot be... Visit Source Open external source URL

The Only Digital Marketing Feed You'll Ever Need.

Stay informed your way. Tailored updates when and how you want them. 100% Free.

10,000+ Users

500+ Sources

1000+ Tools

Or

Related Posts

Google Sheets Integrates BigQuery Saved Queries

Google Sheets Integrates BigQuery Saved Queries

Google
Google

Official Source

Official Source

Google is a Official Source. The source has been verified by Swipe Insight team.

Official Source
BigQuery Expands Search Index Capabilities with INT64 and TIMESTAMP Support

BigQuery Expands Search Index Capabilities with INT64 and TIMESTAMP Support

Google Cloud
Google Cloud

Official Source

Official Source

Google Cloud is a Official Source. The source has been verified by Swipe Insight team.

Official Source
Automate Your Marketing Audits - Say Goodbye to Manual Checklists

Automate Your Marketing Audits - Say Goodbye to Manual Checklists

Featured
Google Ends Free Access to Gemini in BigQuery, Announces Paid Plans

Google Ends Free Access to Gemini in BigQuery, Announces Paid Plans

Google Cloud
Google Cloud

Official Source

Official Source

Google Cloud is a Official Source. The source has been verified by Swipe Insight team.

Official Source
Google Cloud Enhances Looker with Major User Experience Updates

Google Cloud Enhances Looker with Major User Experience Updates

Sean Zinsmeister
Sean Zinsmeister

Official Source

Official Source

Sean Zinsmeister is a Official Source. The source has been verified by Swipe Insight team.

Official Source
BigQuery Launches Gemini-Enhanced SQL Translation Features

BigQuery Launches Gemini-Enhanced SQL Translation Features

Google Cloud
Google Cloud

Official Source

Official Source

Google Cloud is a Official Source. The source has been verified by Swipe Insight team.

Official Source
BigQuery Data Transfer Service Launches Data Source Change Log for Schema Updates

BigQuery Data Transfer Service Launches Data Source Change Log for Schema Updates

Google Cloud
Google Cloud

Official Source

Official Source

Google Cloud is a Official Source. The source has been verified by Swipe Insight team.

Official Source
BigQuery Introduces AI-Augmented Data Preparation with Gemini

BigQuery Introduces AI-Augmented Data Preparation with Gemini

Google Cloud
Google Cloud

Official Source

Official Source

Google Cloud is a Official Source. The source has been verified by Swipe Insight team.

Official Source

Related Tools

Marketing Auditor logo

Marketing Auditor

Verified Tool

Verified Tool

Marketing Auditor is a Verified Tool. Want to get this badge? Contact us.

Verified Tool

Automated audits for Google Ads and Analytics.

Get Featured Here

Showcase your tool in this list.

Contact Us
Databricks logo

Databricks

Generative AI-powered data intelligence platform

Data Engineering
GA4 SQL logo

GA4 SQL

Verified Tool

Verified Tool

GA4 SQL is a Verified Tool. Want to get this badge? Contact us.

Verified Tool

Generate GA4 BigQuery queries easily

Data Analysis
TapClicks logo

TapClicks

Automated marketing solutions powered by your data

Data Engineering
Stitch logo

Stitch

Automated cloud data pipelines, no coding needed

Data Engineering
Akkio logo

Akkio

AI-powered analytics for agencies

Data Analysis
NinjaCat logo

NinjaCat

AI-powered marketing data and analytics platform

Reporting
Funnel logo

Funnel

Aggregate and analyze marketing data seamlessly

Reporting
Fivetran logo

Fivetran

Effortlessly centralize and move data from any source

Data Engineering
Power My Analytics logo

Power My Analytics

Automate and integrate your marketing data

Reporting

Get Featured Here

Showcase your tool in this list.

Contact Us