Select distinct values from multiple columns

Question

I had a table (Some_Table) with two columns:
A B
-------------------
1 test
2 test
3 test1
4 test1

i would like to return DISTINCT values for column B and it's associated value in column A (first in distinct set), so something like this:

A B
-----------
1 test
3 test1

What is the sql?

In this example, there are two first column values for each second column. You want only the least value for each second column value? — dotcoder
– dotcoder, Commented May 18, 2010 at 14:09
You have a good answer by Mark below, only a note here; saying first in distinct set is wrong. sets are unordered, if you want to talk about order you have to specify in respect to what (own value, some other columns value, etc...) — Unreason
– Unreason, Commented May 18, 2010 at 14:39

Mark Baker · Accepted Answer · 2010-05-18 14:08:42Z

7

select min(A),B
  from table
 group by B

answered May 18, 2010 at 14:08

Mark Baker

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