LIMIT vs TOP vs FETCH FIRST syntax in SQL - Quick Revision & Key Differences

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the LIMIT clause do in SQL?

The LIMIT clause restricts the number of rows returned by a query to a specified number. It is commonly used in MySQL and PostgreSQL.

beginner

How does the TOP keyword work in SQL?

TOP is used in SQL Server to limit the number of rows returned by a query. It appears right after SELECT and specifies how many rows to return.

intermediate

Explain the FETCH FIRST syntax in SQL.

FETCH FIRST is part of the SQL standard and is used to limit the number of rows returned. It is often combined with OFFSET for pagination and supported by databases like DB2, Oracle 12c+, and PostgreSQL.

beginner

Which SQL syntax is specific to SQL Server for limiting rows?

The TOP keyword is specific to SQL Server for limiting the number of rows returned by a query.

intermediate

Match the SQL syntax to its common database: LIMIT, TOP, FETCH FIRST

• LIMIT: MySQL, PostgreSQL
• TOP: SQL Server
• FETCH FIRST: DB2, Oracle 12c+, PostgreSQL

Which SQL clause is used in MySQL to limit the number of rows returned?

A LIMIT

B TOP

C FETCH FIRST

D ROWNUM

LIMIT is the clause used in MySQL to restrict the number of rows returned.

In SQL Server, how do you limit the number of rows returned?

A TOP

B OFFSET

C FETCH FIRST

D LIMIT

TOP is the keyword used in SQL Server to limit rows.

Which syntax is part of the SQL standard and supports pagination with OFFSET?

A TOP

B FETCH FIRST

C LIMIT

D ROWNUM

FETCH FIRST is part of the SQL standard and works with OFFSET for pagination.

Which database commonly uses FETCH FIRST syntax?

A SQLite

B SQL Server

C MySQL

D Oracle 12c+

Oracle 12c+ supports FETCH FIRST syntax.

What is the correct way to limit rows in PostgreSQL?

A TOP 10

B LIMIT 10

C Both B and D

D FETCH FIRST 10 ROWS ONLY

PostgreSQL supports both LIMIT and FETCH FIRST syntax.

Describe the differences between LIMIT, TOP, and FETCH FIRST syntax in SQL.

Think about which databases use each syntax and how they appear in queries.

Explain how you would limit query results in SQL Server versus MySQL.

Focus on the placement of the keywords in the query.