Answer
CTEs improve readability and reusability, while subqueries are nested directly. CTEs may materialize results depending on PostgreSQL version.
Quick Answer
CTE: named, reusable within a query, can be recursive, executes once and result is referenced multiple times (in some cases). Subquery: embedded in the parent query, potentially re-executed for each row (correlated subquery). Pre-PostgreSQL 12, CTEs were optimization fences (result materialized). Now both can be optimized similarly. Use CTEs for readability; subqueries when optimizer needs more flexibility.
S
SugharaIQ Editorial Team
Verified Answer
This answer has been peer-reviewed by industry experts holding senior engineering roles to ensure technical accuracy and relevance for modern interview standards.
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Source: SugharaIQ