IF

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Syntax

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Scalar

if(condition, true_value, false_value)

• All result alternatives must have compatible types. Matching types are preserved; mixed types may be converted to a common type. Use explicit casts to choose the result type.

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Arguments

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Returns

• Type: Common SQL type after conversion of true_value and false_value
• NULL behavior: A NULL condition selects false_value. A NULL selected branch produces NULL.

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Properties

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Usage notes

• The two result branches must have compatible types. They are converted to a common type when needed.
• 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

SELECT if(TRUE, 1, 2) AS "value", if(CAST(NULL AS BOOLEAN), 1, 2) AS null_condition;

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Choose between string results

SELECT if(2 > 1, 'yes', 'no') AS true_branch, if(2 < 1, 'yes', 'no') AS false_branch;

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Related functions

• coalesce
• nvl2