select distinct and select first

[scottshiv]

I'm a bit confused about how those work:

field1 field2 field3
aa 12345 333
aa 34567 444
aa 45678 555

Using the above:

If I do a select distinct field1,field2,field3 I will get all three records because they are not exact duplicates, right?

Now what about select first. I want only the first record.
Do I do a select first field1, field2, field3 Or do I do select field1, first field2, first field3?

 

[Lothario]

You do...

Select Top 1 From yourtable

-L

 

[PHV]

Have you tried this ?
SELECT field1, First(field2), First(field3)
FROM yourTable
GROUP BY field1;

Hope This Helps, PH.
Want to get great answers to your Tek-Tips questions? Have a look at FAQ219-2884 or FAQ222-2244

 

[JonFer]

DISTINCT applies at the record level whereas First() applies to a single field/expression.

John

http://www.interautomateconsulting.com