The `PERCENTILE_CONT` function in SQL calculates the continuous percentile of a numeric column. It's useful for finding values at specific percentile ranks, like the 90th percentile of salaries. This function returns an interpolated value.
The `PERCENTILE_CONT` function is a powerful tool for analyzing data distributions. It allows you to determine the value at a specific percentile within a dataset. Unlike the `PERCENTILE_DISC` function, which returns a discrete value, `PERCENTILE_CONT` returns an interpolated value. This means it can return a value that falls between the observed data points. This is particularly useful when you need a more precise representation of the data distribution. For example, if you want to find the 75th percentile of customer ages, `PERCENTILE_CONT` will return a value that's likely to be between two observed ages. This function is widely supported in modern SQL databases like PostgreSQL and SQL Server. It's crucial for understanding the distribution of your data and identifying key thresholds.
Understanding `PERCENTILE_CONT` is crucial for data analysis and reporting. It allows you to identify key values within a dataset that represent specific points in the distribution. This is important for tasks like identifying outliers, understanding the spread of data, and making informed business decisions.