Answer
Recursive CTEs contain an anchor part and a recursive part that repeats until no new rows are returned.
Quick Answer
Recursive CTEs traverse hierarchical or graph-like data. Structure: WITH RECURSIVE cte AS (base_case UNION ALL recursive_case WHERE termination_condition). Base case: initial rows (root nodes). Recursive case: references the CTE to get next level. Use for: org charts (employee hierarchy), category trees, graph traversal, bill of materials. Add a depth counter or LIMIT to prevent infinite recursion.
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.
Want to bookmark, take notes, or join discussions?
Sign in to access all features and personalize your learning experience.
Source: SugharaIQ