Temporary Tables
Temporary tables are database objects that exist temporarily in a database session or transaction, used to store intermediate results during complex queries or data processing. They are automatically dropped when the session ends or the transaction completes, providing a way to manage temporary data without cluttering the permanent schema. This concept is widely supported in relational database management systems (RDBMS) like SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle.
Developers should use temporary tables when handling large datasets that require multiple-step processing, such as in data transformation, reporting, or complex joins, as they improve performance by reducing query complexity and enabling reuse of intermediate results. They are particularly useful in stored procedures, batch operations, or when working with session-specific data that doesn't need to persist beyond the current operation, helping to avoid locking issues and maintain data isolation.