SQL: Limiting the Number of Rows Returned

SQL Cookbook - O'Reilly Media

Chapter 1 Retrieving Records: Limiting the Number of Rows Returned.

Problem

You want to limit the number of rows returned in your query. You are not concerned with the order; any n rows will do.

Solution

Use the built-in function provided by your database to control the number of rows returned.

DB2

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MySQL and PostgreSQL

Do the same thing in MySQL and PostgreSQL using LIMIT:

select * from emp limit 5

Oracle

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SQL Server

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Discussion

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