Description: A temporary table is a table that is created and used for a specific session or transaction. These tables are fundamental in the realm of databases, as they allow for the temporary storage of data and facilitate operations that require dynamic data handling. Unlike permanent tables, which store data persistently, temporary tables are automatically deleted at the end of the session or transaction in which they were created. This makes them an ideal tool for performing intermediate calculations, storing temporary results, or managing data that does not need to be retained long-term. Temporary tables can be of two types: local, which are visible only to the session that created them, and global, which can be accessed by multiple sessions. Their efficient use can improve query performance and optimize data handling in complex applications, allowing developers and database administrators to work with greater flexibility and effectiveness in manipulating transient data.
Uses: Temporary tables are primarily used in situations where short-term data storage is required. They are common in ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes, where data needs to be manipulated before being inserted into permanent tables. They are also useful in executing stored procedures, where intermediate results can be stored that do not need to be retained after execution. Additionally, they are used in creating temporary reports and managing complex transactions, where efficient data handling is required without the need to keep it long-term.
Examples: A practical example of a temporary table is its use in various database applications, where data can be temporarily stored while operations are being performed. Another example is in report generation, where data from multiple sources can be accumulated in a temporary table for calculations and then present a final report without needing to modify the original data sources.
