11.2.0.3- how to sort by latest time and get mode of those values in 1 sql

Question

Hi,
have s sql as below
select   i.ean,
  i.year_of_pubn,
  stats_mode(max(i.name) keep (dense_rank first order by i.db_timestamp desc)) name
from archive.zpx_plnt_iss_stg_bak  a,
    ARCHIVE.zpx_med_iss_stg_bak i
where a.etl_run_num_seq >= (select last_number_processed from last_processed_archive_num )
and i.etl_run_num_seq >= (select last_number_processed from last_processed_archive_num )
and a.id = i.id
group by  i.ean, i.year_of_pubnbut saying not single group by function.
Scenario is
3 records for the same grouping (ean + year) all have same timestamp, 2 of the values the same, one different wish to take the mode (i.e. one kiwth the 2 vaklues but can't seem to use stats_mode in same sql.
Any Thoughts/ideas how to do this?
Can do with with statment first but want to do in one sql if posisble without using with clause, inline views etc;.
What am i doing wrong.
Edited by: user5716448 on 24-Jul-2012 03:51

Answer 1

Hi,
You can do what you want to (without sub-queries) using the analytic FIRST_VALUE (or LAST_VALUE) function.
Since you didn't post any sample data, I'll use tables in the scott schema to illustrate. This shows the most common job in the highest salaray grade for each department.
SELECT DISTINCT
          e.deptno
,         FIRST_VALUE (e.job) OVER ( PARTITION BY  e.deptno
                                   ORDER BY      g.hisal     DESC
                         ,             COUNT (*)     DESC
                        )      AS top_job
FROM       scott.emp       e
JOIN       scott.salgrade  g   ON  e.sal  BETWEEN  g.losal
                                    AND       g.hisal
GROUP BY  e.deptno
,            e.job
,       g.hisal
;Output:
`DEPTNO TOP_JOB
     10 PRESIDENT
     30 MANAGER
     20 ANALYSTI suspect using a sub-query will be more efficient, as well as clearer.
Edited by: Frank Kulash on Jul 24, 2012 8:20 AM
Changed LAST to FIRST