What does count (*) do in SQL?

What is the use of count (*)?

COUNT(*) The COUNT(*) function returns the number of rows in a dataset using the SELECT statement. The function counts rows with NULL, duplicate, and non-NULL values. You can also use the WHERE clause to specify a condition.

What is the difference between count and count (*) in SQL?

As you've already learned, COUNT(*) will count all the rows in the table, including NULL values. On the other hand, COUNT(column name) will count all the rows in the specified column while excluding NULL values.

What is the purpose of using count (*) in the SELECT query?

SQL SELECT COUNT(*) function SQL SELECT statement can be used along with COUNT(*) function to count and display the data values. The COUNT(*) function represents the count of all rows present in the table (including the NULL and NON-NULL values).

What does count (*) SQL function return?

The SQL COUNT() function returns the number of rows in a table satisfying the criteria specified in the WHERE clause. It sets the number of rows or non NULL column values.