What is a Right Outer Join in SQL?

What Is a Right Outer Join in SQL?

A Right Outer Join is a combined method in SQL that joins records from two separate databases together according to a given criteria, guaranteeing that every entry from an appropriate table can be found in the result set. The fundamental syntax is to define the left database and the requirement for joining using the ON provision, after which comes the right table selection, the Right Join or Right Outer Join keywords, and so on. The prerequisite for the join specifies row matching between the two databases. A Right Outer Join in SQL returns every entry from the adjacent table as well as the identical entries from the table on the other side. For all columns in the left-hand table, the values of NULL are added wherever there is no result in the table on the left. 

Syntax

In SQL, the syntax to perform a Right Outer Join is generally as follows:

SELECT *

FROM right_table

RIGHT JOIN left_table

ON right_table.column_name = left_table.column_name;

Where, 

• * SELECT *: Indicates the columns you wish to get. In this instance, every column from both of the tables is selected.
• FROM right_table: Indicates the correct table where all rows are to be retrieved.
• RIGHT JOIN left_table: Indicates that you wish to encompass every single row to the right field and corresponding rows on the left table by specifying the kind of match as a Right Outer Join.
• ON right_table.column_name = left_table.column_name: Describes the criteria for the join by identifying the columns from both sides of the datasets that should be implemented to correspond to the rows.

Why use Right Outer Join in SQL?

There are a number of reasons, each with a unique advantage, why you could decide to use a Right Outer Join in SQL:

1. Examine all of the data in the right-hand table:

This is the fundamental rationale for using a Right Outer Join. It guarantees that every entry from the right-handed table is visible to you, including the ones that don't have a corresponding record located in the left-hand field. This is critical for jobs such as:

• Examining sales statistics even in cases when certain orders are missing product information.
• Looking at user tables that have dormant accounts.

2. Determine whether data is lacking or insufficient:

Right Outer Joins the left-hand table's data that is absent by inserting empty strings into any mismatched columns. This makes it simple to identify gaps and discrepancies, suggesting more research or data cleansing.

3. Minimize complicated queries:

A Right Outer Join, albeit not necessarily the most effective method, can occasionally make intricate queries involving several joins simpler. The question may be simpler to comprehend and manage if you prioritize the right side of the table as the foundation and then chain extra joins afterward.

Example

Right Outer Join example: Examining client orders that lack product information

Situation: You have a database of orders that contains data on the purchases made by customers and a table of items that lists specifics about every single item. Nonetheless, certain orders may lack product IDs.

Query:

SELECT o.order_id, c.customer_name, p.product_name, o.quantity

FROM orders o

RIGHT OUTER JOINs customer c ON o.customer_id = c.customer_id

RIGHT OUTER JOINs product p ON o.product_id = p.product_id;

Explanation:

• Right Outer Joins are used twice in this query:
• In order to guarantee that every customer is included—even in cases when an order has no customers—the first links deal with clients based on customer_id.
• By using product_id, the additional information links the combined database with the goods being sold. This guarantees that every order is accounted for, even if some don't have a corresponding product listed in the items in the database.
• When product information is absent from an order, the result will display all orders, even with product_name set to null.

Difference between the Right Outer Join and the Left Outer Join 

Conclusion 

In summary, one effective technique for inquiring and merging data from two databases based on a given criterion and guaranteeing that all values from the correct table can be found in the resulting group is a Right Outer Join in SQL. This kind of join is very helpful in situations where the goal is to keep all of the entries from a particular table, even if the left table doesn't have any matches. 

If you are looking to enhance your software development skills further, we would highly recommend you to check out Simplilearn’s SQL Certification Course. In collaboration with IBM, this course can help you hone the right skills and make you job-ready. 

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FAQs

1. Can I Use Multiple Right Outer Joins In A Single Query?

Yes, numerous Right Outer Joins can be used in an individual SQL query. This can be useful for complicated data connections when you require combining material from many tables, with the right-handed table being prioritized in each join. 

2. Are Right Outer Joins Efficient For Large Datasets?

When dealing with huge datasets, right external joins may be less effective than other merges like inner joins. This is due to the fact that they must process every row that appears in the right-hand table, even if there are entries in the left-hand table that match.

3. How Do I Handle Null Values When Using A Right Outer Join?

In a right outer join, unmatched left table entries get nulls. Use COALESCE in SELECT to replace them with defaults, or filter them with IS NULL in WHERE. Choose the method that best suits your data and desired outcome. Remember, empty strings aren't guaranteed behavior for all databases.