sql group by versus distinct

Question

Why would someone use a group by versus distinct when there are no aggregations done in the query?

Also, does someone know the group by versus distinct performance c

Answer 1

Both would generate the same query plan in MS SQL Server.... If you have MS SQL Server you could just enable the actual execution plan to see which one is better for your needs ...

Please have a look at those posts:

http://blog.sqlauthority.com/2007/03/29/sql-server-difference-between-distinct-and-group-by-distinct-vs-group-by/

http://www.sqlmag.com/Article/ArticleID/24282/sql_server_24282.html