New Logical Functions in SQL Server 2012 (IIF and CHOOSE)

By:   |   Comments (6)   |   Related: 1 | 2 | > Functions System


Problem

SQL Server 2012, has new features to perform Logical Functions such as CHOOSE and IIF that can be used to perform logical operations. In this tip we take a look at some basic examples of how this could be used.

Solution

In this tip we will discuss how to utilize the below mentioned newly introduced Logical Functions in SQL Server 2012.

1. CHOOSE Logical Function
2. IIF Logical Function

Using CHOOSE Logical Function

The CHOOSE function, which is available in SQL Server 2012, will return the item at the specified index from the list of values which are available. In this example we have 3 values and we are asking to select the third value in the list which is "SQL Server 2012".

SELECT 'New SQL Server Release' = CHOOSE(3, 'SQL Server 2008', 'SQL Server 2008 R2',
'SQL Server 2012')
GO

sql server CHOOSE function

Let's execute the below TSQL code which will use the CHOOSE function to return the month value using the CHOOSE logical function.

Use AdventureWorks2008R2
GO
SELECT 
  DISTINCT(FirstName + ' ' + LastName) AS Name
 ,DATEPART(DD, ModifiedDate) AS [Date]
 ,CHOOSE(DATEPART(MM,ModifiedDate),'January','February','March','April','May','June',
  'July','August','September','October','November','December')[Month]
 ,DATEPART(YYYY, ModifiedDate) AS [Year]
FROM [Person].[Person] 
 ORDER BY Name ASC
GO

sql server result set using the choose function in denali

Using IIF Logical Function

The IIF function, which is available in SQL Server 2012, returns one of the two values depending upon whether the Boolean expression evaluates to either True or False.

DECLARE @FirstArgument INT = 10
DECLARE @SecondArgument INT = 20
SELECT IIF ( @FirstArgument > @SecondArgument , 'TRUE', 'FALSE' ) 
 AS [Output Using IIF Logical Function]
GO

sql server 2012 iif logical function

Let's execute the below TSQL code which will use the IIF function to return the results. The logic is if the StateProvinceCode is between 0 and 95 then return France otherwise return Canada.

Use AdventureWorks2008R2
GO
SELECT 
   StateProvinceCode
  ,CountryRegionCode
  ,IIF(TRY_PARSE(StateProvinceCode AS INT) Between 0 AND 95,'France','Canada') AS Country
FROM Person.StateProvince 
  WHERE StateProvinceCode IN ('95','AB')
GO

sql server 2012 iif logical function
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About the author
MSSQLTips author Ashish Kumar Mehta Ashish Kumar Mehta has been contributing to the MSSQLTips.com community since 2009 with over 60 tips.

This author pledges the content of this article is based on professional experience and not AI generated.

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Comments For This Article




Friday, June 22, 2018 - 8:44:59 AM - Qadir Bux A. Munir Back To Top (76286)

 

 Thanks for new functions.


Wednesday, June 29, 2016 - 10:16:06 AM - J Back To Top (41782)

Simple and to the point.

One thing missing would be to explain how these new statements are preferable over the older IF and CASE statements.

 

 


Wednesday, December 23, 2015 - 9:52:57 AM - Joe Celko Back To Top (40301)

 Good SQL programmres would luse CASE expressions instead of a weak local dialect. 

 


Thursday, June 27, 2013 - 12:36:29 AM - Bhavin Shah Back To Top (25587)

Thanks for introducing to new functions in SQL Server 2012.

 

I would like to know that if SQL server 2012 supports both functions like CASE WHEN and CHOOSE, which one should be used? and any advantages of using one over another?

 

Thanking You,

Bhavin Shah.


Tuesday, June 25, 2013 - 11:41:47 AM - Asif Iqbal Back To Top (25560)

That's good but what is performance difference between case and IIF.

Please reply.


Thursday, December 29, 2011 - 8:12:24 AM - Tom Kelley Back To Top (15466)

Thanks for the news.  It is nice to see SQL Server finally catching up with Microsoft Access.  :)















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