postgres functions : difference between CASE WHEN and IF ELSE

Question

Can any one let me know what the differences are between WHEN CASE .. and IF/ELSE when writing in Postgres functions.

The same as in most other languages: CASE expression WHEN value THEN ... ELSE WHEN value THEN ... vs. IF expression = value THEN ELSE IF expression = value THEN .... — deceze
– deceze ♦, Commented Nov 7, 2013 at 9:37

Remus Rusanu · Accepted Answer · 2013-11-07 09:45:53Z

4

The problem is which CASE do you mean?

One CASE is an expression. It can appear inside expressions, like A + CASE ... + B. Along with COALESCE, NULLIF, GREATEST and LEAST it makes the group of conditional expressions.

The other CASE, along with IF, is a control structure (a conditional). It can appear in the SQL control flow to chose what blocks/statements are executed, based on a condition.

answered Nov 7, 2013 at 9:45

Remus Rusanu

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