Which operator selects values in a range?
Interviewer Expectations for this Question
01
Core Competency
Assesses fundamental understanding of SQL & Databases conventions, runtime behavior, and memory/performance considerations.
02
Evaluation Criteria
Hiring managers look for precision, avoidance of ambiguous jargon, and ability to explain trade-offs under real production conditions.
Comprehensive Model Answer
Verified Solution
The BETWEEN operator selects values within an inclusive range (numbers, text strings, or dates):
SELECT product_id, name, price
FROM products
WHERE price BETWEEN 100 AND 500;
### Key Semantics:BETWEEN low AND high is mathematically equivalent to:price >= 100 AND price <= 500 (both lower and upper endpoints are included).
To exclude boundaries, use explicit relational operators:price > 100 AND price < 500.
Candidate Response Strategy & Interview Tips
- Start with a concise one-sentence summary: Deliver a direct, confident answer first before expanding into nuances.
- Demonstrate real-world trade-offs: Discuss where this approach excels and when you would avoid it in production systems.
- Discuss complexity & edge cases: Proactively explain time/space complexity or boundary conditions (null values, scale limits).
- Prepare for interviewer follow-ups: Technical hiring panels frequently probe deeper into concurrency, backward compatibility, or alternative libraries.