Comparing Dates

Date comparisons in Oracle SQL can be performed using standard comparison operators, as dates are internally treated as numerical values. This characteristic enables users to compare dates directly using operators like >, <, >=, and <=. For example:

sqlCopy codeSELECT * FROM orders WHERE order_date > '2023-01-01';

This query retrieves all orders placed after January 1, 2023. Proper handling of date formats is crucial; Oracle often expects dates in specific formats, so users must ensure that their date strings match the expected format. Additionally, using date functions like SYSDATE allows users to compare current dates dynamically. For example:

sqlCopy codeSELECT * FROM orders WHERE order_date >= SYSDATE - 30;

This query retrieves orders from the last 30 days. Accurate date comparisons are vital in reporting, trend analysis, and monitoring time-sensitive data, making proficiency in date operations essential for effective data management.