SQL query to copy, duplicate or backup table in MySQL, Oracle and PostgreSQL database

Many times we need to create backup or copy of tables in database like MySQL, Oracle or PostgreSQL while modifying table schema like adding new columns, modifying column or dropping columns. Since its always best to have a backup of table which can be used in any event. I was looking for an easy way to create exact copy or duplicate tables which must be same in schema as well as in data, similar to creating copy of folder. Luckily there is an easy SQL query "CREATE table table_name AS" which allows you to create exact copy of table by executing just one SQL query. Yes, you read it correctly, no tool is required to create backup of table you just need to execute an SQL query. This is simply awesome given its importance and best part of this SQL query is that it works in almost all the database. I have tested it in MySQL and Oracle but t it should work perfectly find in other databases like PostgreSQL, SQL Server and DB2 as well. This SQL query tip is in continuation of my earlier SQL query examples like SQL query to find duplicate rows in a table and SQL query to join three tables in MySQL.

Read more �