LEAST

least(expr1[, expr2, ...])

Description

The LEAST function is used to find and return the smallest value from a given list of parameters. If there are null values in the parameter list, those null values will be ignored.

Parameter Description

• expr: A comparable type expression, including but not limited to numeric types (float, double, decimal, tinyint, smallint, int, bigint), string types (char, varchar, string), and time types (date, timestamp), etc.

Return Result

The return type is the same as the input parameter expr type.

Usage Example

1. Comparison of numeric types:

SELECT least(10, 9, 1, 4, -1, null);
-- Return result: -1

2. Comparison of string types:

SELECT least('apple', 'banana', 'cherry', null);
-- Return result: 'apple'

3. Comparison of Time Types:

SELECT least('2023-01-01', '2022-12-31', null, '2024-01-01');
-- Return result: '2022-12-31'

4. Comparison of Mixed Types:

SELECT least(100, '10', 10.5, '1', null);
-- Return result: '1' (string type, but smaller value)

Notes

• When all parameters are null, the LEAST function will return null.
• The LEAST function is case-sensitive, so be aware of the impact of case when comparing strings.
• Comparing different types of data is not supported. It is recommended to ensure that all parameter types are consistent when using the LEAST function.