Subqueries vs CTEs in SQL: A Complete Guide for Beginners

When I first started learning SQL, I kept hearing two terms thrown around: subqueries and CTEs . They seemed to do similar things, and I wasn't sure when to use one over the other. If you're in the same boat, this guide will clear everything up. By the end of this article, you'll understand: What subqueries are and the different types What CTEs are and how to use them When to use each approach Performance and readability comparisons Let's dive in! What is a Subquery? A subquery (also called an i