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Leadand Lag Funtion

LEAD() and LAG() are SQL window functions that allow access to subsequent or previous rows for trend analysis and data comparison without self-joins. They are used in various scenarios such as sales forecasting, revenue change detection, and monitoring customer purchases. Proper usage includes specifying parameters like offset and default values, and ensuring ORDER BY is included to avoid unpredictable behavior.

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14 views3 pages

Leadand Lag Funtion

LEAD() and LAG() are SQL window functions that allow access to subsequent or previous rows for trend analysis and data comparison without self-joins. They are used in various scenarios such as sales forecasting, revenue change detection, and monitoring customer purchases. Proper usage includes specifying parameters like offset and default values, and ensuring ORDER BY is included to avoid unpredictable behavior.

Uploaded by

Monojit Saha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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SQL Window Functions: LEAD() and LAG()

LEAD() and LAG() are window functions in SQL that allow you to access data from subsequent or
previous rows without using self-joins or subqueries. These functions are particularly useful when
analyzing trends, changes over time, or comparing row-wise data.
Syntax

LEAD(column_name, offset, default_value) OVER (PARTITION BY partition_column ORDER


BY order_column)
LAG(column_name, offset, default_value) OVER (PARTITION BY partition_column ORDER BY
order_column)

Parameters:
- column_name: The column you want to access from a different row.
- offset (optional): Number of rows ahead or behind. Default is 1.
- default_value (optional): Value to return if the LEAD or LAG row doesn’t exist.
- PARTITION BY: (Optional) Splits the data into groups.
- ORDER BY: Defines the order of rows.
LEAD(): Looking Ahead
Use Case: To compare the current row with the next row.

Example: Sales Forecasting


SELECT
employee_id,
sales_month,
revenue,
LEAD(revenue) OVER (PARTITION BY employee_id ORDER BY sales_month) AS
next_month_revenue FROM
monthly_sales;

Explanation: This query compares an employee’s revenue with their revenue in the next month.
Useful for identifying whether sales are increasing or decreasing.
LAG(): Looking Behind
Use Case: To compare the current row with the previous row.

Example: Revenue Change Detection

SELECT
employee_id,
sales_month,
revenue,
LAG(revenue) OVER (PARTITION BY employee_id ORDER BY sales_month) AS
previous_month_revenue,
revenue - LAG(revenue) OVER (PARTITION BY employee_id ORDER BY sales_month) AS

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revenue_change FROM
monthly_sales;

Explanation: This helps identify how much revenue has changed compared to the previous month.

Scenario-Based Examples
Scenario 1: Identify First-Time Purchase

SELECT
customer_id,
purchase_date,
LAG(purchase_date) OVER (PARTITION BY customer_id ORDER BY purchase_date) AS
previous_purchase,
CASE
WHEN LAG(purchase_date) OVER (PARTITION BY customer_id ORDER BY
purchase_date) IS NULL THEN 'First Purchase' ELSE 'Repeat Purchase' END
AS purchase_type FROM purchases;

Helps marketing teams target first-time vs repeat customers.


Scenario 2: Detect Price Drop

SELECT
product_id,
price_date,
price,
LAG(price) OVER (PARTITION BY product_id ORDER BY price_date) AS previous_price,
CASE
WHEN price < LAG(price) OVER (PARTITION BY product_id ORDER BY price_date)
THEN 'Price Dropped' ELSE 'No Drop' END AS price_trend FROM
product_prices;

Useful for pricing analysts to monitor pricing strategies.


Scenario 3: Patient Readmission Check (Healthcare Use Case)

SELECT
patient_id,
admission_date,
discharge_date,
LEAD(admission_date) OVER (PARTITION BY patient_id ORDER BY admission_date) AS
next_admission,
CASE
WHEN DATEDIFF(
DAY, discharge_date,
LEAD(admission_date) OVER (PARTITION BY patient_id ORDER BY
admission_date)
) <= 30 THEN 'Readmitted Within 30 Days' ELSE 'No Readmission'
END AS readmission_status FROM admissions;

Useful in healthcare analytics to track readmissions for quality control.


Scenario 4: Running Comparison Between Salespersons

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SELECT
salesperson_id,
sales_date,
total_sales,
LAG(total_sales) OVER (PARTITION BY salesperson_id ORDER BY sales_date) AS
previous_sales,
total_sales - LAG(total_sales) OVER (PARTITION BY salesperson_id ORDER BY
sales_date) AS sales_change FROM daily_sales;

Helps performance tracking and trend visualization.


Common Pitfalls
- Missing ORDER BY: Without it, the function can behave unpredictably.
- Nulls: Use the default_value to avoid nulls when no previous/next record exists.
- Offset Usage: Default is 1, but can be customized if comparing to 2nd or 3rd previous/next record.
Summary
Function Looks at Use Case
LEAD() Next row Forecasting, next status
LAG() Previous row Change tracking, historical
comparison

Pro Tips
- Combine with CASE WHEN for flag-based logic.
- Use with PARTITION BY to ensure correct grouping (e.g., by customer, product, or employee).
- Chain with DATEDIFF or arithmetic operators for powerful comparisons.

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