Using SQL to Manipulate Timestamps using Quarterly data

[mike_dba]

I am looking for SQL syntax that will enable me to subtract quarters
from timestamps. Any suggestions?

Pseudo-code example -

YEAR( timestamp_column - 9 Quarters)

I know that I can easily subtract things like DAYS. However, I can't
seem to be able to manipulate using Quarters.

Thanks.

[Ian]

mike_dba wrote:

I am looking for SQL syntax that will enable me to subtract quarters
from timestamps. Any suggestions?

Pseudo-code example -

YEAR( timestamp_column - 9 Quarters)

I know that I can easily subtract things like DAYS. However, I can't
seem to be able to manipulate using Quarters.

Quarters aren't a labeled duration, as you've found. But can't you just
replace 'quarter' with '3 months'? So,

year(timestamp_column - 27 months)
I think you may run into an issue if calendar year quarters don't
coincide with fiscal year quarters...

[Knut Stolze]

Ian wrote:

mike_dba wrote:

>I am looking for SQL syntax that will enable me to subtract quarters
from timestamps. Any suggestions?

Pseudo-code example -

YEAR( timestamp_column - 9 Quarters)

I know that I can easily subtract things like DAYS. However, I can't
seem to be able to manipulate using Quarters.

Quarters aren't a labeled duration, as you've found. But can't you just
replace 'quarter' with '3 months'? So,

year(timestamp_column - 27 months)
I think you may run into an issue if calendar year quarters don't
coincide with fiscal year quarters...

I don't think that would matter. If you substract 3 months (1 quarter) from
January 31st, you get October 31st, which would be fine, wouldn't it?

--
Knut Stolze
DB2 z/OS Utilities Development
IBM Germany