SIGN Function in MSSQL

In SQL Server, the SIGN function is used to determine the sign of a numeric expression and returns:

- 1 if the expression is positive,

- 0 if the expression is zero, and

- -1 if the expression is negative.

Here's the syntax of the SIGN function:

SIGN(numeric_expression) 

Where numeric_expression is the numeric value for which you want to determine the sign.

Here's an example of how to use the SIGN function:

SELECT SIGN(10) AS SignOfTen,

       SIGN(0) AS SignOfZero,

       SIGN(-5) AS SignOfNegativeFive;

This query will return:

- 1 as the sign of 10 is positive.

- 0 as the sign of 0 is zero.

- -1 as the sign of -5 is negative.

Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the `SIGN` function in SQL Server:

1. What is the SIGN function in SQL Server?

   The SIGN function in SQL Server is used to determine the sign of a numeric expression. It returns 1 if the expression is positive, 0 if it's zero, and -1 if it's negative.

2. What is the syntax of the SIGN function?

   The syntax of the SIGN function is:

 

   SIGN(numeric_expression)

  

   Where numeric_expression is the numeric value for which you want to determine the sign.

3. How does the SIGN function work?

   The SIGN function evaluates the sign of the provided numeric expression and returns 1 for positive numbers, 0 for zero, and -1 for negative numbers.

4. What are some use cases for the SIGN function?

   - Determining the direction or trend of numerical data.

   - Classifying data into positive, negative, or neutral categories.

   - Calculating differences or changes between numerical values.

5. Can you provide an example of using the SIGN function?

   Here's an example:

   SELECT SIGN(99) AS SignOfTen,

          SIGN(0) AS SignOfZero,

          SIGN(-35) AS SignOfNegativeFive;

   

   This query will return:

   - 1 as the sign of 99 is positive.

   - 0 as the sign of 0 is zero.

   - -1 as the sign of -35 is negative.