---
title: "What is a CTE (Common Table Expression) and how is it different from a temporary table?"  
description: "What is a CTE (Common Table Expression) and how is it different from a temporary table?"  
author: "Anubhav Sharma"  
published: 2026-05-14  
updated: 2026-05-14  
canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/116606/what-is-a-cte-common-table-expression-and-how-is-it-different-from-a-temporary-table  
category: "database"  
tags: ["database", "sql server"]  

---

# What is a CTE (Common Table Expression) and how is it different from a temporary table?


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Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/116606/what-is-a-cte-common-table-expression-and-how-is-it-different-from-a-temporary-table

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