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What is CTE in SQL?

SQLhard0.6 min readPremium

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Expert AnswerPremium

115 wordsInterview-ready

CTE (Common Table Expression) is a named temporary result set defined with WITH, used in a single SELECT/INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE. Syntax: WITH cte_name AS (SELECT ...) SELECT * FROM cte_name. Benefits: Improves readability, allows recursion, enables reuse. Example: WITH ranked AS (SELECT id, ROW_NUMBER() OVER (PARTITION BY dept ORDER BY sal DESC) rn FROM emp) SELECT * FROM ranked WHERE rn <= 3. Best practice: Use for complex queries; avoid deep nesting....

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