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Scalar function
In Databricks context NULL arguments are ignored unless all arguments are NULL. In the Snowflake-style/default context, any NULL argument yields NULL.

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Syntax

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Scalar

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Arguments

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Returns

  • Type: The common comparison type after converting the arguments; explicit same-type arguments preserve that SQL type
  • Possible values: One of the argument values after applicable type conversion, or NULL.
  • NULL behavior: In Databricks context NULL arguments are ignored unless all arguments are NULL. In the Snowflake-style/default context, any NULL argument yields NULL.

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Properties

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Usage notes

  • INTEGER and INT mean the same type; STRING means VARCHAR text. NULL can be used with a supported type. Cast NULL explicitly when its type would otherwise be unclear.
  • Query tools may report a DECIMAL result as DOUBLE or a TIME result as INTEGER. The returned value still keeps its decimal precision and scale, or its time type. A reported type does not convert the value.
  • Deterministic: The same inputs and settings produce the same result.

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Examples

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Typical behavior

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Compare dates

Last modified on October 15, 2026