LEAST in Oracle - Examples & AI Generator

The LEAST function in Oracle lets you quickly retrieve the smallest value from a list of expressions, avoiding complex CASE statements or manual comparisons. However, minor syntax differences and type requirements between databases can add friction—especially if you work across systems. AI2sql instantly solves this: simply describe your data need, and get a production-ready LEAST query in seconds—no coding required.

LEAST Syntax in Oracle

How LEAST Works

The basic Oracle LEAST syntax is:

LEAST(expr1, expr2, ... exprN)

• Accepts two or more expressions (numbers, dates, or strings).

• All arguments must be of compatible types; Oracle will throw an error otherwise.

• Returns the lowest value from the list.

Note: In Oracle, NULL values are ignored; if any argument is NULL and all others are also NULL, the result is NULL.

LEAST Examples You Can Generate Instantly

Business-Ready Oracle LEAST Function Examples

• Find the lowest product price between current and previous year:

  SELECT product_id, LEAST(current_price, prev_year_price) AS lowest_price
  FROM products;

• Identify a customer's earliest contact date (email, phone, in-person):

  SELECT customer_id,
         LEAST(email_contact_date, phone_contact_date, inperson_contact_date) AS first_contact
  FROM customer_contacts;

• Get the smaller of shipping or delivery promised dates for each order:

  SELECT order_id,
         LEAST(ship_date, delivery_promise_date) AS earliest_expected
  FROM orders;

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Why Use AI2sql Instead of Manual LEAST Coding

• No coding required: Skip memorizing syntax and prevent data type errors in Oracle.

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• Consistent accuracy: Avoid mistakes with an AI SQL generator used by 50,000+ users across 80+ countries.

If you work with other functions or migrate between databases, Try AI2sql Generator for seamless query building. Want a deeper Oracle dive? Learn LEAST.

FAQ: LEAST in Oracle

• Q: What happens if arguments in LEAST are different types?
  A: Oracle throws an error. All arguments must be of comparable types (e.g., all numbers, all strings, all dates).

• Q: Does LEAST ignore NULL values?
  A: If any argument is NULL and not all are NULL, Oracle LEAST returns the minimum of the non-NULLs; if all are NULL, the result is NULL.

Conclusion: The LEAST function in Oracle streamlines comparisons but demands strict type handling and syntax precision. With AI2sql, you bypass manual coding—just input your requirement and receive a correct, context-aware Oracle LEAST query in 10 seconds. Generate Your First Query Now.