which is efficient count(*) or count(1) ?

Ritesh Chopra · New User Joined: 15 Oct 2007 Posts: 13 Location: India

Hi ALL,
please can anybody give me the comparison for count(*) and count(1) in terms of efficiency ? please include a detailed view on how to decide in which situation what is better.

vasanthkumarhb · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 11:32 am

Hi,

As i seen both returns the same answer , but if you want to improve the efficiency you need to have proper CLUSTER INDEX in the query.

Regard's
Vasanth......

vasanthkumarhb · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 11:35 am

Hi,

Adding to the above answer.

I think of count(*) as counting the number of rows but I have heard people liking count(1) as meaning count where the existence of the row is true (1 meaning true).

I think count(1) gives lesser performance over count(*).

Regard's
Vasanth..........

Ritesh Chopra · New User Joined: 15 Oct 2007 Posts: 13 Location: India

Thanks but can you explain that in more detail.

vasanthkumarhb · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 12:47 pm

Hi Ritesh,

pls find the link below, it is explained practically, it would helpfull for you.

justoracle.blogspot.com/2006/12/count-vs-count1.html

Regard's
Vasanth.........

"Never Give Up Until U Succeed"

Ritesh Chopra · New User Joined: 15 Oct 2007 Posts: 13 Location: India