MySQL max()

The MAX() function in MySQL is an aggregate function used to retrieve the maximum (largest) value from a specified column. It is commonly used to find the maximum value in a dataset or to retrieve the latest date in a date column. The basic syntax of the MAX() function is as follows:

MAX(expression)

• expression: This should be a column or an expression from which you want to find the maximum value.

Here are some common ways to use the MAX() function:

1. Find the Maximum Value in a Column:
   To find the maximum value in a column, use MAX(column_name).

   SELECT MAX(price) FROM products;

2. Find the Maximum Date in a Date Column:
   To find the latest date in a date column, use MAX(date_column).

   SELECT MAX(order_date) FROM orders;

3. Find the Maximum Value Based on a Condition:
   You can find the maximum value in a column that meets specific conditions by using the MAX() function with a WHERE clause.

   SELECT MAX(score) FROM test_scores WHERE subject = 'Math';

4. Find the Maximum Value Grouped by a Column:
   When you want to find the maximum value for each group within a dataset, you can use the GROUP BY clause with the MAX() function.

   SELECT department, MAX(salary) FROM employees GROUP BY department;

The MAX() function returns the largest value from the specified column. It’s a helpful tool for identifying the maximum value in your data, whether that’s the highest price, the latest date, or the maximum score in a specific category.