IN Operator

IN is a concise alternative to multiple OR comparisons on the same column.

Core Concepts

flowchart LR
  A[Column value] --> B{Is value in list?}
  B -->|Yes| C[Include row]
  B -->|No| D[Exclude row]

Style	Example
Multiple ORs	status='new' OR status='paid'
IN list	status IN ('new','paid')

Code Examples

-- Reuse orders_cmp table from earlier concept.
SELECT order_id, total, status
FROM orders_cmp
WHERE status IN ('new', 'paid')
ORDER BY order_id;

order_id	total	status
1	19.99	new
2	120.00	paid
3	75.50	new

-- Equivalent logic with OR (longer form).
SELECT order_id, total, status
FROM orders_cmp
WHERE status = 'new' OR status = 'paid'
ORDER BY order_id;

order_id	total	status
1	19.99	new
2	120.00	paid
3	75.50	new

SQLite-Specific Nuances

SQLite Nuance

IN supports literal lists and subqueries in SQLite.

Common Pitfalls / Best Practices

Pitfall

Using long repeated OR chains when IN would be clearer and less error-prone.

Best Practice

Use IN whenever you compare one column against multiple specific values.

Quick Challenge

Return rows from orders_cmp where status is either new or pending.

View Solution

SELECT order_id, total, status
FROM orders_cmp
WHERE status IN ('new', 'pending');

order_id	total	status
1	19.99	new
3	75.50	new