How to Use SQL CREATE TABLE AS Statement with Syntax

What are SQL tables

SQL tables are the building blocks of relational databases. They provide a structured way to store data, allowing for efficient data retrieval, manipulation, and organization. Tables consist of rows and columns, with each row representing a unique record and each column representing a specific attribute or field of the data. For example, a database may have tables for customers, orders, products, and more. Tables ensure that data is organized in a logical and consistent manner, making it easier to work with and retrieve information.

Importance of tables in SQL databases

Tables are a fundamental component of SQL databases and play a crucial role in organizing, storing, and managing data. They provide a structured way to represent and store data in a tabular format, consisting of rows and columns. Here are some key reasons why tables are important in SQL databases:

• Data Organization: Tables help in the systematic organization of data, which is crucial for maintaining data integrity and ensuring efficient data retrieval.
• Data Retrieval: SQL queries are used to extract data from tables, and well-structured tables make it easier to fetch the information you need.
• Data Relationships: Tables can be related to one another, allowing for complex data relationships and queries across multiple tables.
• Data Constraints: Tables can enforce constraints on data, such as unique keys and foreign keys, to ensure data accuracy and consistency.
• Data Indexing: Indexes on tables significantly improve query performance, making data retrieval faster.

How to create table using select statement in SQL Server

The SQL CREATE TABLE AS statement is a versatile tool for creating new tables and making backups of existing data. It allows you to create table from select based on the result set of a query. The basic syntax is as follows:

◈ Create Table - By Copying all columns from another table

The syntax for the CREATE TABLE AS statement when copying all of the columns in SQL is:

CREATE TABLE new_table

AS (SELECT * FROM old_table);

◈ Create Table - By Copying selected columns from another table

The syntax for the CREATE TABLE AS statement copying the selected columns is:

CREATE TABLE new_table

AS (SELECT column_1, column_2, ... column_n

FROM old_table);

◈ Create Table - By Copying selected columns from multiple tables

The syntax for the CREATE TABLE AS statement copying columns from multiple tables is:

CREATE TABLE new_table

AS (SELECT column_1, column_2, ... column_n

FROM old_table_1, old_table_2, ... old_table_n);

Reliable and professional backup software for SQL database protection

While the SQL CREATE TABLE AS statement can be used for sql server create table as select, it is essential to have a robust backup strategy in place to protect your entire database. Professional backup software can automate and streamline the backup process. AOMEI Cyber Backup is a dependable and professional backup software that excels at protecting SQL databases. It provides features like full backups, incremental backups, and scheduled backups to ensure data safety and disaster recovery. Additionally, it also offers the following benefits:

▸ Operation Within LAN: Assist you in doing numerous backups of SQL database, including SQL Express within LAN.
▸ Centralized Backup: Schedule backups of SQL server database and run it automatically.
▸ Schedule Backup: Create backup schedules to automate backups daily, weekly, monthly.

AOMEI Cyber Backup supports Microsoft SQL (2005-2022), VMware ESXi (6.0 and above), and Hyper-V (in Windows 8/8.1/10/11, Windows Server/Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2012 R2 and later versions) from a centralized console and here’s a 30-day free trial for you:

✍Before you perform a database backup, please make sure:
1. Your computer with both AOMEI Cyber Backup Agent and Microsoft SQL Server installed.
2. The local disk or network shared to store backup files.

Steps to back up and restore SQL database via AOMEI Cyber Backup

1. Access to Source Device >> Add Microsoft SQL. If the database exists and the version is supported, it will appear automatically. Otherwise, you need click Add Microsoft SQL >> Download proxy program >> Already installed proxy and select the proxies you want to add.

2. Click ... >> Authentication to validate the database instance. You can choose Windows Authentication or SQL Authentication. Enter the credentials and click Verify.

3. Click Backup Task >> Create New Task, and select Backup Type as Microsoft SQL Backup.

• Task Name: Set a name for your SQL backup task to make it easy to find.

• Device Name: Select the databases you want to backup.

• Target: Select a location as the destination path. You can choose a local or network path as a storage end.

• Schedule: Perform full, differential, or incremental backup, and automate execution according to the frequency you specified.

• Backup Cleanup: Help you to delete older backup version automatically and therefore save storage space.

• Email Notification: Enable you to receive email notifications when the task is abnormal or successful.

4. Start Backup: You can choose to Add the schedule and start backup now or Add the schedule only and click Start Backup to execute automatic SQL server backup.

5. Restore from backup: Click Backup Task on the left menu bar, locate the task you want to restore, and click … >> Restore. Then select the backup task and specify the target location (Restore to original location/Restore to new location) according to your need.

Conclusion

SQL tables are the cornerstone of relational databases, offering structured data storage and organization. The SQL CREATE TABLE AS statement is a valuable tool for creating new tables and backups, providing flexibility and convenience in managing your data.

However, it is equally important to invest in reliable backup software to ensure the overall protection of your SQL databases. By combining the power of SQL statements and professional backup solutions, you can enhance your database management capabilities and data security.