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Multiple FULL OUTER JOIN on multiple tables

sql
join
best-practices
data-consistency
Anton ShumikhinbyAnton Shumikhin·Dec 12, 2024
TLDR

Need to combine several tables with a FULL OUTER JOIN? A great approach is creating a UNION of unique keys from all tables. This forms a complete key-set. Now, perform a series of LEFT JOINS from this key-set to each referenced table as shown below:

WITH KeySet AS ( -- Union force, assemble! SELECT KeyField FROM TableA UNION SELECT KeyField FROM TableB UNION SELECT KeyField FROM TableC -- Union force, disbanded! ) SELECT ks.KeyField, A.Data AS AData, B.Data AS BData, C.Data AS CData FROM KeySet ks LEFT JOIN TableA A ON ks.KeyField = A.KeyField -- Remember, LEFT is always right here! LEFT JOIN TableB B ON ks.KeyField = B.KeyField LEFT JOIN TableC C ON ks.KeyField = C.KeyField

With this pattern, you've guaranteed a complete FULL OUTER JOIN equivalence to maintain the integrity of all table entries.

Managing mismatched data efficiently

Get mismatched data? Use either the ISNULL() or the COALESCE() function. They handle potentially null values, making sure everything stays on track and your output remains coherent.

SELECT ks.KeyField, -- COALESCE, because nulls are just not cool! COALESCE(A.Data, 0) AS AData, COALESCE(B.Data, 0) AS BData, COALESCE(C.Data, 0) AS CData FROM KeySet ks LEFT JOIN TableA A ON ks.KeyField = A.KeyField -- Yes table B, we have not forgotten you! LEFT JOIN TableB B ON ks.KeyField = B.KeyField LEFT JOIN TableC C ON ks.KeyField = C.KeyField

Dealing with aggregates and overlapping data

When working with numerical values, aggregate functions like SUM() can shine by summarizing data. On the other hand, GROUP BY can give a helping hand in filtering rows for a more organized output. To keep duplication at bay, DISTINCT, the duplicator's nemesis, can be your best ally.

Bring clarity and efficiency to your query

Aliases and efficiently structured queries can skyrocket your code readability. Subqueries can be lifesavers for complex joins, arranging your data in a clean, organized format. Keep your JOIN conditions in check to avoid unpleasant, redundant outputs.

Order your JOINs for accuracy

Join order matters! Properly arranging joins can pull you out from the labyrinth of incorrect results. Scrutinize your table relationships, logically join on common keys to uphold the integrity and authenticity of your data.

Anchoring your JOINs through time

Got a time-centric data like "month"? Get yourself an "anchor" table that lists all possible month values. This acts as a stable footing for your joins, ensuring data consistency and completeness.

Unleashing the power of UNION and JOIN

UNION is like a magic spell that brings together data with different characteristics. Its alliance with JOIN operations can shape a robust, flexible solution adaptable to handle multiple scenarios and data variations.

Validate with documentation and sample data

Puzzled with functions like COALESCE? Browse their detailed documentation before pressing the start button. Validate your complex queries with sample data for a real-time error check before shooting them off to the production environment.