Set default value in query when value is null

Question

I\'m running a really simple query, however for some of the results the value in one field is null. How can I set that value to \"a string\" if its value is null?

Someth

Answer 1

As noted above, the coalesce solution is preferred. As an added benefit, you can use the coalesce against a "derived" value vs. a selected value as in:

SELECT
       {stuff},
       COALESCE( (select count(*) from tbl where {stuff} ), 0 )  AS countofstuff
FROM
       tbl
WHERE
       {something}

Using "iif" or "case" you would need to repeat the inline whereas with coalesce you do not and it allows you to avoid a "null" result in that return...