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Inner Join vs Outer Join
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Inner Join vs Outer Join

MediumSQL · PostgreSQL

Problem

How do you explain the difference between an inner join and an outer join in a database context?

Write a PostgreSQL query that demonstrates the distinction by returning matched and unmatched records from the provided customer and order data.

Output

  1. One row for each matched relationship and each unmatched record.
  2. Columns: customer_id, customer_name, order_customer_id, order_id, and match_status.
  3. Sort by the related customer identifier, placing unmatched records with null identifiers last, then by order_id.

Output details

  • Sort the related customer identifier in ascending order, treating it as the non-null customer identifier from either record and placing nulls last.
  • Sort order_id in ascending order within each identifier, placing null order_id values first.
  • Set match_status to matched, unmatched_customer, or unmatched_order exactly as applicable.

Schema

customers
ColumnTypeDescription
customer_idPKINTUnique customer identifier
customer_nameVARCHAR(100)Customer display name
orders
ColumnTypeDescription
order_idPKINTUnique order identifier
customer_idINTCustomer associated with the order
order_statusVARCHAR(30)Current order status
Tablescustomersorders
Interviewer

Whenever you're ready, walk me through your approach or go straight to the code. The requirements and the two tables are in the Question tab.

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