EXCEPT | PostgreSQL Tutorial

EXCEPT in Set Operations helps you write SQL that is easier to test, review, and operate at scale.

Introduction to EXCEPT

Use EXCEPT to combine or compare result sets from multiple queries.

Commonly paired with: SELECT, FROM, ORDER BY, DISTINCT.

Practical examples with EXCEPT in PostgreSQL

Reference pattern: start from canonical syntax and keep it explicit.

SELECT email FROM customers
EXCEPT
SELECT email FROM unsubscribed;

Production-style scenario: apply the same concept to realistic application data.

SELECT
  o.order_id,
  o.total_amount,
  o.placed_at
FROM orders o
WHERE o.placed_at >= now() - interval '30 days'
ORDER BY o.placed_at DESC
LIMIT 50;

Additional example: use a variation to validate behavior and edge cases.

SELECT date_trunc('month', placed_at) AS month,
       SUM(total_amount) AS revenue
FROM orders
GROUP BY 1
ORDER BY 1;

Production tips

Prefer explicit column lists and deterministic ordering when results feed APIs or batch jobs.
Validate plans with EXPLAIN before adding indexes, then re-check after schema changes.
Keep DDL, data backfills, and cleanups in transactions when possible to avoid partial state.
Use isolated environments for risky changes so query tuning and schema experiments stay safe.

Vela workflow tip

Test this pattern in an isolated branch database, share the result with your team, and promote only after query plans and row counts look correct.

Reference: PostgreSQL official documentation.