Answer
ROW_NUMBER assigns consecutive numbers to rows within each window partition. • The numbering follows the window ORDER BY. • Tied sort values still receive different row numbers. • Add deterministic tie-breaker columns when stable numbering matters.
💡 SQL Example
SELECT name, ROW_NUMBER() OVER (ORDER BY salary DESC, employee_id) AS position FROM employees;
Result
Each employee receives a unique position
⚡ Quick Revision
ROW_NUMBER gives each ordered row a distinct sequence number.