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SQLAdvanced#windows
SQLBeginner#functions
What is the difference between COALESCE and CASE?
COALESCE returns the first non-NULL argument, a shorthand for NULL handling. CASE evaluates arbitrary conditions and returns different values, so it handles any branching logic.
Example
SELECT COALESCE(nickname, first_name, 'guest') AS label,
CASE WHEN salary > 100000 THEN 'high'
WHEN salary > 50000 THEN 'mid'
ELSE 'entry' END AS band
FROM employees;