Description: The term ‘Gaps and Islands’ in SQL refers to a data pattern that exhibits discontinuities or gaps in a sequence of values. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of databases that handle time series or numerical sequences. ‘Gaps’ represent the absence of data in places where information would be expected, while ‘islands’ are segments of data that are present but separated by these gaps. This phenomenon can arise for various reasons, such as errors in data collection, interruptions in event logging, or simply due to the nature of the process generating the data. Identifying and managing these gaps and islands is crucial for ensuring data integrity and quality, as well as for conducting accurate analyses. In SQL and other database management systems, various functions and techniques can be used to detect and manage these patterns, allowing analysts and developers to make informed decisions based on complete and coherent data.
