The Vertica built-in LAST_DAY function returns the last day of the month for a specified date. This function comes in handy for leap years.
Example:
dbadmin=> SELECT last_day('02/28/2018') NOT_A_LEAP_YEAR, last_day('02/28/2020') A_LEAP_YEAR;
NOT_A_LEAP_YEAR | A_LEAP_YEAR
-----------------+-------------
2018-02-28 | 2020-02-29
(1 row)
In one of my previous positions, an accountant asked how to compute the last day of the previous month. That’s not a problem when you combine a few Vertica built-in functions.Example:
dbadmin=> SELECT LAST_DAY(ADD_MONTHS('03/28/2020', -1)) STILL_A_LEAP_YEAR;
STILL_A_LEAP_YEAR
-------------------
2020-02-29
(1 row)
Have Fun!
About the Author
Soniya Shah
Information Developer
Currently, a first year law student with a background in science and technology. Experienced technical writer, with specializations in software documentation, big data, blog development, and website development. I build user-centered content to communicate complex and technical information more easily.
I used to work for Vertica full time for about 3 years. I still work at Vertica part time while going to law school.
Update: Soniya is now doing her law internship, and no longer working at Vertica. Good luck, Soniya!
