MariaDB: MIN Function

This MariaDB tutorial explains how to use the MariaDB MIN function with syntax and examples.

Description

The MariaDB MIN function returns the minimum value of an expression.

Syntax

The syntax for the MIN function in MariaDB is:

SELECT MIN(aggregate_expression)
FROM tables
[WHERE conditions];

OR the syntax for the MIN function when grouping the results by one or more columns is:

SELECT expression1, expression2, ... expression_n,
       MIN(aggregate_expression)
FROM tables
[WHERE conditions]
GROUP BY expression1, expression2, ... expression_n;

Parameters or Arguments

expression1, expression2, ... expression_n

Expressions that are not encapsulated within the MIN function and must be included in the GROUP BY clause at the end of the SQL statement.

aggregate_expression

This is the column or expression from which the minimum value will be returned.

tables

The tables that you wish to retrieve records from. There must be at least one table listed in the FROM clause.

WHERE conditions

Optional. These are conditions that must be met for the records to be selected.

Applies To

The MIN function can be used in the following versions of MariaDB:

• MariaDB 10

Example - With Single Expression

Let's look at some MariaDB MIN function examples and explore how to use the MIN function in MariaDB.

First, we'll go though an example of how to use the MIN function with a single expression in MariaDB.

For example:

SELECT MIN(file_size) AS "Smallest File"
FROM pages
WHERE site_name = 'TechOnTheNet.com';

In this MIN function example, we will find the minimum value for the file_size column where the site_name is 'TechOnTheNet.com''. We've aliased the MIN(file_size) expression as "Smallest File". As a result, "Smallest File" will display as the column title when the result set is returned.

Example - Using GROUP BY

Next, let's look at how to use the GROUP BY clause with the MIN function in MariaDB.

If you are returning columns that are no encapsulated in the MIN function, you must use the GROUP BY clause.

For example:

SELECT site_id, MIN(file_size) AS "Smallest File"
FROM pages
where site_id < 50
GROUP BY site_id;

In this MIN function example, we must use a GROUP BY clause because the site_id field is not encapsulated in the MIN function. The site_id column must, herefore, be listed in the GROUP BY section at the end of the SQL statement.