Select data from date range between two dates

sql

date-range

between

performance

byAlex Kataev·Aug 4, 2024

To swiftly filter records by date range, employ the BETWEEN clause:

SELECT * FROM table_name
WHERE date_column BETWEEN 'start_date' AND 'end_date';

Update table_name, date_column, start_date, and end_date with your actual data, aligning them with your SQL date format. This speedy query embraces both limit dates in the data retrieved.

Grab overlapping dates using OR clause

In certain data like promotions in a sales context, overlapping periods are common. In such situations, expand your WHERE clause to engage overlapping scenarios:

-- When promotions know no boundaries!
SELECT * FROM Product_Sales
WHERE (From_date <= 'end_date' AND To_date >= 'start_date');

This fetches all sales that occur within or extend beyond your date range, ensuring inclusive filtering.

Building better SQL queries

Writing efficient SQL means balancing readability and efficiency. Validating your column names and affirming your date format prevents syntax errors and the dreaded "Unknown column" beast!

Well-structured SQL is just like good table manners - always leaving a positive impression.

Casting a wider net with OR

To make certain no records escaping your range are missed, shape your query condition with OR to include all potential entries:

-- SQL: The more, the merrier!
SELECT * FROM Product_Sales
WHERE (From_date <= 'end_date' AND To_date >= 'start_date')
OR (From_date BETWEEN 'start_date' AND 'end_date')
OR (To_date BETWEEN 'start_date' AND 'end_date');

This ensures sales that commence before and stretch beyond your range, or arise within your specified range, are all roped in.

Uncovering sneaky SQL traps

Time boundaries and elusive data

Our dear BETWEEN operator cordially includes boundary values. But when you need control, especially when time's involved, specifics matter:

-- Because every second counts!
SELECT * FROM table_name
WHERE date_column >= 'start_date'
AND date_column < 'end_date'; -- Excludes end_date

Performance - the need for speed

Using BETWEEN may lead to full table scans if your underlying database table lacks indexing. Do remember to index your date_column for Ferrarri-fast retrievals.

Leap years and those pesky time zones

Leap years, time zones, day-light saving... oh my! Test your queries against such edge cases; they can turn your results topsy-turvy.

Leverage 'BETWEEN' in join clauses and subqueries

The BETWEEN operator can flex its muscles in subqueries and JOIN conditions too:

-- When BETWEEN meets JOIN, the magic happens!
SELECT a.*
FROM Orders a
JOIN (
    SELECT OrderID
    FROM OrderDetails
    WHERE ProductID = 42
) b ON a.OrderID = b.OrderID
WHERE a.OrderDate BETWEEN '2023-01-01' AND '2023-12-31';