*COUNT() in SQL: Guaranteed Results**

This article clarifies whether the SQL function COUNT(*) always produces a result.

The Answer: Yes, COUNT(*) always returns a numerical value.

Explanation:

COUNT(*) calculates the total number of rows in a table or a selected subset. Unlike aggregate functions like SUM or MAX, which return NULL if no rows match the query criteria, COUNT(*) will always return a count—even if that count is zero (meaning no rows satisfied the WHERE clause). It's counting the number of rows within the defined scope, not just those matching a specific condition.

Important Note: GROUP BY Clause

The only exception is when COUNT(*) is used with a GROUP BY clause. If a group defined by GROUP BY has no rows that meet the query's conditions, COUNT(*) will return NULL for that specific group. This is because COUNT(*) operates on each group individually.

Practical Implications:

Understanding this behavior is vital for writing reliable SQL queries. Knowing that COUNT(*) always yields a result helps prevent errors caused by unexpected NULL values.