SQL IN

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The IN operator is used in a WHERE clause to filter records that match any value in a specified list. It is a shorthand for multiple OR conditions.

Syntax

column_name IN (value1, value2, value3, ...)

Equivalent to:
column_name = value1 OR column_name = value2 OR column_name = value3

Numeric Example: Find orders for customers 101 and 103

SELECT OrderID, CustomerID, ProductName
FROM Orders
WHERE CustomerID IN (101, 103);

Text Example: Find orders for specific products 

SELECT OrderID, ProductName
FROM Orders
WHERE ProductName IN ('Laptop', 'Monitor');

Date Example: Find orders on specific dates

SELECT OrderID, OrderDate
FROM Orders
WHERE OrderDate IN ('2026-03-10', '2026-03-11');


Summary Definition for Exam/Interviews:
IN in SQL Server is used to filter records matching any value in a given list or subquery. It simplifies multiple OR conditions and can be used with numbers, text, or dates.

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