[Solved] You wrote this query to unpivot sales data:SELECT Product, Quarter, Sales FROM SalesData UNPIVOT (Sales FOR Quarter IN (Q1, Q2, Q3)) AS Unpvt;But it returns an error. What is the likely cause? | SQL

SQL - Advanced Query Patterns

You wrote this query to unpivot sales data:

SELECT Product, Quarter, Sales FROM SalesData UNPIVOT (Sales FOR Quarter IN (Q1, Q2, Q3)) AS Unpvt;

But it returns an error. What is the likely cause?

AThe FOR clause should be after the IN clause

BUNPIVOT cannot be used with more than two columns

CThe alias 'Unpvt' is missing parentheses

DThe column names in IN clause must be enclosed in square brackets

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Check syntax for column names in UNPIVOT
In SQL Server, column names in the IN list must be enclosed in square brackets if they are identifiers like Q1, Q2, Q3.
Step 2: Identify error cause
Missing brackets cause syntax error; other options are incorrect syntax rules.
Final Answer:
The column names in IN clause must be enclosed in square brackets -> Option D
Quick Check:
Use brackets for column names in UNPIVOT IN list [OK]

Quick Trick: Always bracket column names in UNPIVOT IN list [OK]

Common Mistakes:

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