When Would You Use an Outer Join

We use the SQL OUTER JOIN to match rows between tables. We might want to get match rows along with unmatched rows as well from one or both of the tables. We have the following three types of SQL OUTER JOINS. Let’s explore each of SQL Outer Join with examples.

In which case would you use an outer join?

We use a FULL OUTER JOIN in Oracle when we want all unmatched data from both tables. Explanation: Oracle9i also makes it possible for you to easily execute a full outer join, including all records from the tables that would have been displayed if you had used both LEFT OUTER JOIN or RIGHT OUTER JOIN clauses.

When to use inner join and outer join?

A inner join only shows rows if there is a matching record on the other (right) side of the join. A (left) outer join shows rows for each record on the left hand side, even if there are no matching rows on the other (right) side of the join.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

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