What is the difference between temp tables and table variables in SQL?
Muhammad Imran Ansari
### 1. Syntax & DeclarationTemp Table```sql CREATE TABLE #TempTable (Id INT, Name NVARCHAR(50));```- Lives in tempdb database.- Behaves like a regular table (can have indexes, constraints).Table Variable```sql DECLARE @TableVar TABLE (Id INT, Name NVARCHAR(50)); ```- Declared inside a batch, stored procedure, or function.- Scope is limited to that block.### 2. Storage & Scope2. Storage & ScopeTemp Table- Stored physically in tempdb.- Supports indexes (clustered & non-clustered).- Scope: session & connection (exists until dropped or connection closed).Table Variable- Stored in memory (but spills to tempdb internally if large).- Limited indexing support (only primary key and unique constraints).- Scope: the batch/procedure/function it was declared in.### 3. Performance3. PerformanceTemp Table- Better for large datasets (10,000+ rows).- Query Optimizer can create statistics ? better execution plans.- Supports indexing, making complex queries faster.Table Variable- Better for small datasets (hundreds of rows).- No automatic statistics ? can lead to poor query plans.- Usually slower with large datasets.### 4. Transactions & Rollbacks4. Transactions & RollbacksTemp Table- Participates fully in transactions.- If a transaction is rolled back, data in the temp table is rolled back too.Table Variable- Not affected by rollbacks in the same way.- Once declared, exists until scope ends, regardless of rollbacks.### 5. When to Use5. When to UseUse Temp Tables when:- You’re working with large datasets.- You need indexes for performance.- You need query optimizer statistics.- You need to use it across multiple stored procedures.Use Table Variables when:- You’re working with small datasets.- You only need them inside a single procedure/function.- You want simpler syntax with less overhead.
Use table variables for small datasets and temp tables for larger or more complex operations
Temp tables are visible throughout the session or stored procedure constraints, and can handle larger datasets efficiently. Table variables are limited to the scope where they are declared,