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Converting SCD0 to SCD3

SQLeasy0.6 min readPremium

**Architectural Logic**: SCD0 (no history) to SCD3 (current + previous value) adds limited history without full Type 2 complexity. **Migration**: Add prev_value and effective_from columns; on update, shift current→previous before applying new value. **SQL**: `UPDATE dim SET...

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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
Nagarro
Key Concepts Tested
sql

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Expert Answer
118 words

Architectural Logic: SCD0 (no history) to SCD3 (current + previous value) adds limited history without full Type 2 complexity. Migration: Add prev_value and effective_from columns; on update, shift current→previous before applying new value. SQL: UPDATE dim SET prev_value = current_value, current_value = new_value, updated_at = NOW() WHERE key = X. Or MERGE with equivalent logic. Why SCD3: Suits attributes with rare, important changes (e.g., customer tier); avoids Type 2 row explosion. Scalability: SCD3 is storage-efficient vs SCD2; limited to one prior value. Migration Strategy: Backfill prev_value from archive or set to current for first migration; establish effective dates for auditability. Trade-off: SCD3 is simpler than SCD2 but can't answer 'what was value at date X' for arbitrary history.

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