PostgreSQL, the robust, open-source object-relational database system, offers a rich set of features and tools, which are crucial for the efficient management of your databases. One such powerful feature is the  SELECT INTO statement. This tutorial aims to delve deep into the intricacies of this vital feature and provide a comprehensive understanding of its application in various scenarios.

What is PostgreSQL SELECT INTO?

The PostgreSQL SELECT INTO statement is a convenient tool used to create a new table and fill it with data computed by a query. The newly created table comprises the same column definitions as provided by the SELECT command.

Syntax and Usage of PostgreSQL SELECT INTO

Before you leverage the full potential of the SELECT INTO statement, it is essential to familiarize yourself with its syntax and usage. The general syntax for this statement is as follows:

				
					SELECT column_name(s)
INTO new_table
FROM existing_table
WHERE condition;

The query creates a new table (new_table) with the column(s) chosen and the data that matches the WHERE condition from the existing_table.

Practical Examples of PostgreSQL SELECT INTO Statement

To effectively illustrate the application of the SELECT INTO statement, let’s consider a few practical examples.

Example 1: Basic Use of SELECT INTO

Suppose you have an existing table, orders, and you want to create a new table, special_orders, containing all the orders that have an amount greater than 500.

				
					SELECT *
INTO special_orders
FROM orders
WHERE amount > 500;

This query creates a new table special_orders, containing all columns and rows from the orders table where amount > 500.

Example 2: SELECT INTO With Specific Columns

If you only want to select specific columns, you can do so by specifying the columns in your SELECT INTO statement.

				
					SELECT order_id, amount
INTO small_orders
FROM orders
WHERE amount <= 100;

This query creates a new table small_orders with order_id and amount columns from the orders table where amount <= 100.

Advanced Applications of PostgreSQL SELECT INTO

For advanced users, the SELECT INTO statement can be employed in diverse ways, providing powerful solutions for complex problems.

Example 3: Using SELECT INTO with Functions

The PostgreSQL SELECT INTO statement can be used with functions to create dynamic and powerful queries.

				
					SELECT avg(amount)
INTO avg_order
FROM orders;

This query calculates the average amount from the orders table and stores it in the avg_order table.

Wrap up

The PostgreSQL SELECT INTO statement, with its simplicity and versatility, can prove to be an instrumental feature in your database management toolkit. As we have explored, this powerful command enables you to create and manipulate new tables from existing ones effectively, providing valuable solutions for data extraction and management tasks.

Remember, mastery comes with practice. Hence, keep experimenting and exploring the potential of the SELECT INTO statement and other PostgreSQL features to become a proficient database manager.

Check how to install PostgreSQL: https://softwareto.tech/how-install-postgresql-on-windows/


Thanks for reading. Happy coding!