>>MIN() would be a function in the true sense of the word if it received a parameter and returned a value. In this case, it results in the smallest value of those it's received. Therefore, each field has to be examined and compared, internally in this instance. Regardless of how one equates them, it is, nonetheless, a function.
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>It is only intepretated ones....
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Walter,

Nope! Each record has to be examined, unless an index exists on the individual field. In the latter case, then a binary search can be done to determine the smallest value. This still results in more comparisons than are necessary if the function is omitted.

The code is interpreted once, the function is called multiple times.