Compare values of two columns then select the larger value

sql, sql-server-2008

Solution

In T-SQL the IF command is for programatic control. For example:

- `IF x THEN doSQLStatement1 ELSE doSQLStatement2`

Within a SQL statement, you need CASE.

CASE WHEN a > b THEN a ELSE b END

Problem

I need to query a table and select 3 of the values of 4 columns. I need to compare the values of the 3rd column and the fourth column and select the larger value. For example: ``` column1 column2 column3 column4 hello hello 3 5 hi hi 7 1 ``` I need to return: ``` column1 column2 Hybrid hello hello 5 hi hi 7 ``` I have been trying to use IF/ELSE but I just can't seem to get the syntax correct

Original source