Using SQLite

Appendix E. SQLite SQL Function Reference

SQLite includes a number of built-in SQL functions. Many of these functions are predicated by the SQL standard, while others are specific to the SQLite environment.

There are two styles of functions. Scalar functions can be used as part of any SQL expression. They take zero or more parameters and calculate a return value. They can also have side-effects, just like the functions of most programming languages.

Aggregate functions can only be used in SELECT header expressions and HAVING clauses. Aggregate functions combine column values from multiple rows to calculate a single return value. Often, aggregate functions are used in conjunction with a GROUP BY clause.

This appendix is divided into two sections. The first section covers all the built-in scalar functions, while the second section covers all the built-in aggregate functions. You can also define your own scalar or aggregate functions. See Chapter 9 for more details.