Access scalar query allows you to do in one SQL statement what you are used to doing in two or more queries.
This function allows retrieval of single values from a table, usually aggregate functions, from
within the from clause.
Get individual values while at the same time getting max, min, avg, etc values
from the same source without having to use the Group By clause... this greatly
simplifies query design. Here's the setup for our scalar query example:
Our goal is the retrieve SSN, Pay_Rate, Max Pay_Rate, Min Pay_Rate, and
calculate each employees' percent of maximum pay rate.
See the following SQL statement:
Don't bother trying to create this in the design grid. You must
get into SQL view. The key point of the query is:
[select max(pay_rate) as Max_R from m_emp_pay]. as Q_Max
There are two aliases in this scalar subquery - Max_R for the field and Q_Max
for the source name. Not that an Access SQL alias is an typically an
abbreviation for the table or calculated field name. See how the alias is used in
the Select clause of the query. No group by required!! Therefore
you get the individual pay rates for employees while, at the same time,
retrieving min, max, and most importantly the percent of max.
See the results of the scalar subquery below:
The main restriction with scalar subquery SQL statement is that the function can only return a single value, although you can have
multiple subquery statements in
one main query.
