MINUS (table operator)

1. Supports the standard SQL syntax: except [distinct]

The table operator minus returns the rows of the first result except those that are also in the second.

SELECT …
  FROM …
MINUS
SELECT …
  FROM …

As with all table operators both sides of except must have the same number of columns and their types must be compatible based on their position (see corresponding). All null values are considered being the same (not distinct) for this operation.

If a row exists in the second result it will not appear in the final result—not even if it is multiple times in the first result.

Related

• Same functionality in standard SQL: except [distinct]

• Other table operators:

  • except all

  • Union: union [distinct], union all

  • Intersect: intersect [distinct], intersect all

Normative References

The table operation minus is not covered by any international standard.