Select Into SQL

How do I copy data from one table to another using SQL?

The `SELECT INTO` statement in SQL is used to create a new table and populate it with data from another table. It's a quick way to duplicate data or create a backup table.

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Description

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The `SELECT INTO` statement is a powerful tool for creating new tables and populating them with data from existing tables. It's a concise way to duplicate data or create a backup copy of a table. This statement is often used in data warehousing, data migration, or simply for creating a copy of a table for testing or analysis. Crucially, the `SELECT INTO` statement creates a *new* table; it doesn't modify the original table. This is a key distinction from other data manipulation operations. It's important to ensure the new table's structure matches the selected data's structure. For example, if you're selecting columns from a table, the new table will have those same columns. If you need to modify the structure of the copied data, you'll need to use other SQL commands like `ALTER TABLE` after the `SELECT INTO` operation.

Why Select Into SQL is important

The `SELECT INTO` statement is crucial for data management tasks. It allows for efficient data duplication, backups, and data preparation for analysis or reporting. It's a fundamental skill for any SQL developer.

Select Into SQL Example Usage


SELECT orderID, customerName, orderDate
FROM Orders
WHERE orderDate >= '2023-10-26';

Select Into SQL Syntax

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to specify the column names in the `SELECT` statement, potentially leading to errors or unexpected results.
Incorrectly specifying the data types in the new table, causing issues with data integrity.
Assuming `SELECT INTO` modifies the original table, which it does not.
Not checking the structure of the new table to ensure it aligns with the selected data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When should I use the SQL `SELECT INTO` statement instead of `INSERT INTO ... SELECT`?

Use SELECT INTO when you need to create a brand-new table and populate it in a single step—common in data warehousing, migrations, or building quick sandbox copies for testing. Because the table is created on the fly, you avoid manual CREATE TABLE boilerplate and guarantee the new table’s columns match the selected columns exactly. If the destination table already exists or you need more control over datatypes and indexes up front, stick with INSERT INTO ... SELECT.

Does `SELECT INTO` ever modify the source table or its schema?

No. SELECT INTO is a read-only operation for the source table—it simply copies the selected rows into a new table and leaves the original data and schema untouched. If you later need to tweak the copied table’s structure (e.g., add indexes or change data types), you can run an ALTER TABLE on the newly created table without affecting the source.

How can Galaxy help me write and validate `SELECT INTO` statements faster?

Galaxy’s modern SQL editor accelerates SELECT INTO workflows with context-aware autocomplete, instant table metadata previews, and an AI copilot that can generate or optimize your copy statements for you. You can test the query in a dedicated workspace, share the draft with teammates for endorsement, and keep a versioned history—so creating safe backup tables or migration scripts becomes frictionless.