SQL Server Create Table as Select

Welcome, Dev! In this journal article, we will be discussing “SQL Server Create Table as Select”. This is a powerful command that allows you to create a new table based on the results of a SELECT statement. We will go through the syntax, examples, and frequently asked questions about this command. Let’s dive in!

Syntax

The syntax of the CREATE TABLE AS SELECT command is as follows:

For example, if we wanted to create a new table called “customers_backup” based on the “customers” table, the command would look like this:

CREATE TABLE customers_backup ASSELECT * FROM customers;

This command will create a new table called “customers_backup” with the same structure and data as the “customers” table.

Examples

Example 1: Creating a Table with Selected Columns

You can also select specific columns from the existing table to create the new table.

CREATE TABLE customers_backup ASSELECT customer_id, customer_name, email FROM customers;

This command will create a new table called “customers_backup” with only the “customer_id”, “customer_name”, and “email” columns from the “customers” table.

Example 2: Creating a Table with Conditions

You can also add conditions to the SELECT statement to filter the data that will be inserted into the new table.

CREATE TABLE active_customers ASSELECT * FROM customersWHERE status = 'active';

This command will create a new table called “active_customers” with only the data from the “customers” table where the “status” column is equal to “active”.

Example 3: Creating a Table with Joins

You can also use joins in the SELECT statement to combine data from multiple tables into the new table.

CREATE TABLE customer_orders ASSELECT customers.customer_name, orders.order_id, orders.order_dateFROM customersINNER JOIN orders ON customers.customer_id = orders.customer_id;

This command will create a new table called “customer_orders” with the “customer_name”, “order_id”, and “order_date” columns from the “customers” and “orders” tables, joined on the “customer_id” column.

FAQ

What is the difference between “CREATE TABLE AS SELECT” and “INSERT INTO SELECT”?

The “CREATE TABLE AS SELECT” command creates a new table based on the results of a SELECT statement, while the “INSERT INTO SELECT” command inserts the SELECT statement results into an existing table.

Can I use “CREATE TABLE AS SELECT” to create a temporary table?

Yes, you can use the “#” symbol before the new table name to specify that the table is temporary. For example:

CREATE TABLE #temp_customers ASSELECT * FROM customers;

What happens if I use “CREATE TABLE AS SELECT” on a table with existing data?

If you use “CREATE TABLE AS SELECT” on a table with existing data, the new table will not contain the existing data. It will only contain the results of the SELECT statement.

Can I specify the column data types when using “CREATE TABLE AS SELECT”?

No, you cannot specify the column data types when using “CREATE TABLE AS SELECT”. The new table will inherit the column data types from the existing table.

What permissions do I need to use “CREATE TABLE AS SELECT”?

You need the CREATE TABLE and SELECT permissions on the existing table, and the CREATE TABLE permission on the database where you want to create the new table.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “SQL Server Create Table as Select” is a powerful command that allows you to create a new table based on the results of a SELECT statement. With this command, you can select specific columns, add conditions, and use joins to create the new table. We hope this article has been helpful for you, Dev. Happy coding!