Common Table Expressions (CTEs) are a feature in SQL that allows you to define a temporary result set within a SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE statement. The basic syntax for CTEs is quite consistent across different SQL dialects, but there can be some variations and differences. I’ll provide a general overview, but keep in mind that specifics can vary.

Here is a basic template for a CTE:
SQL
WITH cte_name (column1, column2, ...) AS (
    -- CTE query here
    SELECT column1, column2, ...
    FROM your_table
    WHERE some_condition
)
-- The main query using the CTE
SELECT *
FROM cte_name;

Here are some points to consider:

  1. WITH Clause:
    In most SQL dialects, you use the WITH keyword to introduce the CTE. Some databases require the RECURSIVE keyword for recursive CTEs.
  2. CTE Name and Columns:
    You can optionally provide a name for your CTE (cte_name in the example) and explicitly list the columns. This is optional in some databases.
  3. AS Clause:
    The AS keyword is used to define the CTE.
  4. Main Query:
    After the CTE definition, you can use it in the main query. The CTE is referenced by its name.
Here’s an example of a simple CTE:
SQL
WITH cte_example AS (
    SELECT id, name
    FROM your_table
    WHERE some_condition
)
SELECT *
FROM cte_example;

Remember that while the basic structure is similar, there might be differences in more advanced features or options, especially when dealing with recursive CTEs, materialized views, or optimizer hints. Always refer to the documentation of the specific database you are working with for precise details and potential variations. Common SQL databases include PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, and Oracle, each with its own nuances.

Links to documentations

These links will take you to the official documentation websites where you can find detailed information about the syntax, features, and best practices for each database. Keep in mind that the information available in documentation may vary, so always refer to the documentation version that corresponds to the version of the database you are using.