DataEngPrep.tech
QuestionsPracticeAI CoachDashboardPacksBlog
ProLogin
Home/Questions/SQL/Can CASE statements be used in an UPDATE query?

Can CASE statements be used in an UPDATE query?

SQLeasy0.2 min read

**Yes.** CASE in SET for conditional update. Include ELSE to avoid unintended NULLs. UPDATE employees SET salary = CASE WHEN perf = 'excellent' THEN salary * 1.1 WHEN perf = 'good' THEN salary * 1.05 ELSE salary END WHERE dept_id = 10;

πŸ€– Analyze Your Answer
Frequency
Low
Asked at 1 company
Category
487
questions in SQL
Difficulty Split
130E|271M|86H
in this category
Total Bank
1,863
across 7 categories
Asked at these companies
Fossil Group

Why This Question Matters

This easy-level SQL question appears frequently in data engineering interviews at companies like Fossil Group. While less common, it tests deeper understanding that distinguishes strong candidates.

How to Approach This

Start by clearly defining the core concept being asked about. Interviewers want to see that you understand the fundamentals before diving into implementation details. Structure your answer with a definition, then explain the practical application with a concise example.

Expert Answer
42 words

Yes. CASE in SET for conditional update. Include ELSE to avoid unintended NULLs.

UPDATE employees
SET salary = CASE
WHEN perf = 'excellent' THEN salary * 1.1
WHEN perf = 'good' THEN salary * 1.05
ELSE salary
END
WHERE dept_id = 10;

dataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.tech
dataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.tech
dataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.tech
dataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.tech
dataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.tech
dataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.tech

Want feedback on your answer?

Paste your answer to this question and our AI Coach scores it, finds gaps, and shows you the FAANG-level version.

Try Answer Analyzer β†’
Want all answers as a PDF for offline study?
1,863 questions across 7 categories β€” Interview Packs β†’

Free: Top 20 SQL Interview Questions (PDF)

Get the most asked SQL questions with expert answers. Instant download.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Related SQL Questions

mediumWrite an SQL query to find the second-highest salary from an employee table.FreemediumDemonstrate the difference between DENSE_RANK() and RANK()FreemediumDiscuss differences between ROW_NUMBER(), RANK(), and DENSE_RANK(), and provide examples from your projects.FreemediumExplain the differences between Data Warehouse, Data Lake, and Delta LakeFreemediumExplain the differences between Repartition and Coalesce. When would you use each?Free

Companies that ask this SQL question

Fossil Group interview questions β†’

Want to know if YOUR answer is good enough?

Paste your answer and get instant AI feedback with a FAANG-level improved version.

Analyze My Answer β€” Free

According to DataEngPrep.tech, this is one of the most frequently asked SQL interview questions, reported at 1 company. DataEngPrep.tech maintains a curated database of 1,863+ real data engineering interview questions across 7 categories, verified by industry professionals.

← Back to all questionsMore SQL questions β†’