Lesson 8: Ordering Rows in SQL

Data is stored in Scalable SQL in no particular sequence. If you want to see your data displayed in sequence, you must add an Order By clause to your Select statement.


Syntax:

Select */fieldname<mask> ...
from tablename
order by fieldname;

Explanation:

• The Order By clause tells SQL you want the specified fields displayed in ascending order (ordered from A to Z, 1 to 100).

Example:Retrieve the city, vendor Id, and name from the TrnVendor table. Order your data by city:

1. In the SQL text box type:

Select City, VendId, Name
from TrnVendor
order by City; 

2. Execute the SQL statement.

Results:
 

City	VendId	Name
Bayshore	TV019	Bayshore Consulting
Burlington	TV020	BayCon Group
Chicago	TV003	BedMakers Linen
Chicago	TV016	Music Maker
Chicago	TV028	Distant Horizons
Chicago	TV029	Paltry Play
Chicago	TV030	Make Shift Tilts
Dallas	TV021	Cooperative Operatives
Dallas	TV026	Clampett Oil
Detroit	TV005	Ray Block