MySQL COUNT() aggregate function – Medium cross post

I recently published a blog post over on Medium about the differences in 2 versions of the MySQL COUNT() aggregate function: COUNT(*) and COUNT(column_name or expression). I wanted to share the post here with any readers who may be interested so continue reading for more on this post…

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Most developers who work with MySQL are well-aware that COUNT(*) returns the overall number of rows in a table or result set. However, you can use COUNT() to count column values or expressions as well. And, these 2 different versions of COUNT() are not the same. Confused? Then read the post, MySQL COUNT(*) and COUNT(column or expression) — Differences, to know their differences.


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Josh Otwell has a passion to study and grow as a SQL Developer and blogger. Other favorite activities find him with his nose buried in a good book, article, or the Linux command line. Among those, he shares a love of tabletop RPG games, reading fantasy novels, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

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