aggregate function

1. A function built into the SQL language that returns a single value based on the values of a column in several rows of a table. These functions are called SQL aggregate functions. Examples of SQL aggregate functions are SUM( ), COUNT( ), MIN( ), and MAX( ). These are valid only within SQL statements.

See also column, row, SQL, table.

2. A function built into the 4GL language that returns a single value based on the values of input records. These functions are called report aggregate functions. Examples of report aggregate functions are SUM( ), GROUP SUM( ), PERCENT(*), MIN( ), and MAX( ). Report aggregate functions are valid only within a REPORT program block.

See also built-in function, input record, program block, report.