Answer
INNER JOIN returns only matching rows between tables. LEFT JOIN returns all rows from the left table and matching rows from the right, with NULL for non-matching rows.
Quick Answer
INNER JOIN: returns only rows where there is a match in BOTH tables - unmatched rows from either table are excluded. LEFT JOIN (LEFT OUTER JOIN): returns ALL rows from the left table, matched rows from the right table; unmatched right-side columns are NULL. Use LEFT JOIN when the right-side data is optional (e.g., users who may or may not have orders).
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SugharaIQ Editorial Team
Verified Answer
This answer has been peer-reviewed by industry experts holding senior engineering roles to ensure technical accuracy and relevance for modern interview standards.
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Source: SugharaIQ