ROW_NUMBER: SELECT salary FROM (SELECT salary, ROW_NUMBER() OVER (ORDER BY salary DESC) rn FROM employees) WHERE rn = 2. LIMIT/OFFSET: SELECT salary FROM employees ORDER BY salary DESC LIMIT 1 OFFSET 1. **Why**: ROW_NUMBER more portable; LIMIT/OFFSET simpler. Handle single-row...
This easy-level SQL question appears frequently in data engineering interviews at companies like Nihilent. While less common, it tests deeper understanding that distinguishes strong candidates.
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.
ROW_NUMBER: SELECT salary FROM (SELECT salary, ROW_NUMBER() OVER (ORDER BY salary DESC) rn FROM employees) WHERE rn = 2. LIMIT/OFFSET: SELECT salary FROM employees ORDER BY salary DESC LIMIT 1 OFFSET 1. Why: ROW_NUMBER more portable; LIMIT/OFFSET simpler. Handle single-row (no second) with NULL or empty. Scalability: Both single-pass; ensure salary indexed.
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Analyze My Answer — FreeAccording 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.