Creating Temporary Tables with DB Explorer and psql

=====================================================

In this article, we will cover the process of creating temporary tables using both DB Explorer's graphical interface and the `psql` command-line tool in a PostgreSQL database.

Why Use Temporary Tables?

----------------------

Temporary tables are useful when you need to store data temporarily without affecting permanent tables or other users' sessions. They can also improve performance by reducing disk I/O operations, especially with large amounts of data.

Creating Temporary Tables Using DB Explorer

---------------------------------------

1. Open the pgAdmin IV client and connect to your PostgreSQL database.

2. In the object browser panel on the left-hand side, right-click on 'Schemas' under the target schema name (e.g., public).

3. From the context menu that appears, select 'New Table...'.

Alternatively:

1. Navigate to the 'Objects/Tables' tab in pgAdmin IV's top navigation bar.

2. Click the '+' button at the bottom of the right-hand panel to open a new table creation window.

In both cases, you will see the following general options for creating a temporary table:

* Table name: Enter an appropriate and descriptive name for your temporary table (e.g., 'my_temp_table').

* Owner: Choose either 'me' or enter another valid PostgreSQL role to own this object.

* Access privileges: Set permissions as needed; by default, the owner has read/write access.

To create a temporary table:

1. Under the 'Options' tab in pgAdmin IV's new table creation window:

* Check both boxes next to 'Create only (no data)' and 'Temporaries'.

2. Click on the OK button at the bottom-right corner of the dialog box.

Creating Temporary Tables Using psql

--------------------------------

To create a temporary table using `psql`, you can use either an SQL query or the `\c` command followed by options:

### Method 1: Using an SQL Query

Open your terminal and connect to your PostgreSQL database with `psql`.

```SQL

CREATE TABLE my_temp_table (

column_name data_type,

...

);

```

Replace `my_temp_table`, `column_name(s)`, and their respective types as needed.

Example:

```sql

CREATE TEMPORARY TABLE myTempTable(

id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,

name VARCHAR(50),

email TEXT

);

```

### Method 2: Using the \c Command

Open your terminal and connect to your PostgreSQL database with `psql`.

\c -d option_name '-p port' 'options'

```sql

psql -D my_database_name -U my_username -W \

-f /path/to/your.sql

```

Replace options as necessary.

Example:

```bash

ps1 -h localhost -i tempdb < /tmp/create_temp_table.sql

```

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In conclusion, temporary tables can be useful tools in your PostgreSQL arsenal for managing and analyzing data. By understanding how to create them using both graphical interfaces like DB Explorer and command-line tools such as `psql`, you'll have more flexibility when working with large datasets or complex queries.

Remember that it's always good practice to properly drop any objects created during development sessions after completing tasks, including temporary tables:

```sql

DROP TABLE my_temp_table;

```

This article has provided a basic introduction to creating and managing temporary tables in PostgreSQL. For further information on advanced features such as partitioning, indexes, constraints, or more complex queries involving temporary tables, refer to the official PostgreSQL documentation for detailed instructions.

References:

1. 'PostgreSQL Official Documentation - CREATE TABLE'(https://www.postgresql.org/docs/9.6/static/sql-createtable.html#A016442)

2. 'DBExplorer User Guide: Creating a New Table'(http://dbvisual.com/db-explorer/user-guide/data-synchronization-and-manipulation/crud-operating-on-tables/create-new-table/)

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