Apache Hive : HPL/SQL - COALESCE Function

Last updated: August 12, 2026

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Apache Hive : HPL/SQL - COALESCE Function

COALESCE function returns first non-NULL expression.

Syntax:

COALESCE(expr1, expr2 [, expr3, ...]);

Parameters:

ParameterTypeValue
exprNAnyVariable or expression

Notes:

  • When first non-NULL expression is found the following expressions are not evaluated
  • COALESCE and NVL functions are synonyms

Return Value:

  • First non-NULL expression
  • NULL if all expressions evaluate to NULL

Return Type:

The data type of first non-NULL expression.

Example 1:

COALESCE(NULL, 1, 2, 3);

Result: 1

Compatibility: Oracle, IBM DB2, Teradata, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL and Netezza

See also: