b is joined with c

b is joined with c

View Answer

Answer: A

Explanation:

SQL JOIN operations are typically evaluated based on the sequence they are written in the query, from top to bottom. Given the structure of the SQL statement in the exhibit and standard SQL evaluation rules, here is the logical evaluation of the joins:

From the left to the right in the order of the tables:

a is joined with b

The result of a JOIN b is then joined with c

This is the correct sequence because the ON clauses define how the joins should be processed. The first ON clause associates table c with b, and the second ON clause associates table b with a. The LEFT OUTER JOIN operation indicates that all records from the left table (a, and then b in the first join) are returned, along with the matched records from the right table (b, and then c in the second join). If there is no match, the result is NULL on the side of the table where there is no match.