Enhanced Rounding Options in BigQuery: What You Need to Know
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Mathematical Functions in BigQuery
The ROUND() function is one of the commonly utilized mathematical functions in BigQuery, and Google has introduced some exciting new features. This article delves into the implications of these updates, particularly for those working with mathematical functions in BigQuery.
Understanding the ROUND() Function
To begin with, let's briefly revisit how the ROUND() function operates. The rounding process involves adjusting the digit at the first omitted decimal place: if this digit is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4, rounding is performed downwards, while a digit of 5 or higher triggers rounding upwards. For instance, to round the value 2.8, you can use the following SQL syntax:
SELECT ROUND(2.8)
With the recent updates, Google BigQuery now includes support for the rounding mode ROUND_HALF_EVEN for NUMERIC or BIGNUMERIC columns. Additionally, the ROUND() function can accept a rounding mode as an optional argument. You can implement this feature in a SELECT query like so:
SELECT ROUND(NUMERIC "-2.6", 0, "ROUND_HALF_AWAY_FROM_ZERO")
Alternatively, when creating a new table, you can define columns with the specified rounding modes:
CREATE TABLE mydataset.mytable (
x NUMERIC(5,2) OPTIONS (rounding_mode='ROUND_HALF_EVEN'),
y NUMERIC(5,2) OPTIONS (rounding_mode='ROUND_HALF_AWAY_FROM_ZERO')
);
Though this may seem like a minor enhancement in Google BigQuery, it can be quite beneficial for users who frequently engage with these mathematical functions.
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Recent Updates in BigQuery
In addition to the ROUND() function improvements, Google has launched several notable updates that can enhance your BigQuery experience. For instance, the new Data Service Datastream allows for seamless data replication from various databases to BigQuery.
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Sources and Further Reading
[1] Google, BigQuery release notes (2022)