COALESCE returns the first non-NULL value from a list of expressions. It’s like using a formula in Salesforce that checks multiple fields and returns the first field that has a value. This is particularly useful for data that might be spread across multiple fields, ensuring you get a result even if some fields are empty.
Salesforce in particular as a system of record for customer data has numerous scenarios where similarly typed data could exist across multiple fields. Phone, email, and address fields are great examples.
For example, let’s say you want to prepare a list of customers by phone number so you can deliver a call list. COALESCE is a great way to accomplish this task.
Let’s explore a specific SQL case together:
COALESCE(MobilePhone, HomePhone, WorkPhone, ‘No Phone Number Available’)
In this case, COALESCE will return the first non-NULL value. If all fields are NULL, we have ‘No Phone Number’ returned.
Mastering conditional expressions in SQL, such as CASE, IFF, and COALESCE, equips you with a toolkit for dynamic data manipulation and analysis, akin to the capabilities provided by Salesforce formula fields.