[Solved] Why does this query fail to detect overlapping date ranges?SELECT * FROM bookings WHERE start_date start_date; | SQL

SQL - Advanced Query Patterns

Why does this query fail to detect overlapping date ranges?
SELECT * FROM bookings WHERE start_date < end_date OR end_date > start_date;

AThe column names are swapped

BUsing OR allows non-overlapping ranges to be included

CThe condition is always true for valid dates

DThe query is missing a JOIN to compare two bookings

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand the condition logic
Using OR means if either condition is true, the row is included, which is too broad.
Step 2: Effect on overlap detection
This includes rows that do not overlap, so it fails to detect true overlaps accurately.
Final Answer:
Using OR allows non-overlapping ranges to be included -> Option B
Quick Check:
OR causes false positives in overlap detection [OK]

Quick Trick: Use AND, not OR, to detect overlap correctly [OK]

Common Mistakes:

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Why does this query fail to detect overlapping date ranges?