MODULE 2 · Shaping results
Reading · 15 min
Sorting results
Sorting results
Tables do not promise a useful display order. ORDER BY makes the requested order part of the query rather than an accident of storage.
Learning objectives
- Sort ascending and descending
- Use a secondary sort
Order results intentionally with ORDER BY. Focus on explaining each decision in your own words before relying on a pattern or shortcut.
Example
SELECT name, created_at
FROM customers
ORDER BY created_at DESC, name ASC;Summary
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- ORDER BY makes result order explicit.
- Secondary ordering makes ties predictable.
Reading material
Sorting results practice prompt
Use the exercise in this lesson to check your understanding.
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