8. Advanced SQL Features

This module introduces features that unlock advanced reporting and complex transformations without moving data into application code.

Decision Guide

Need	Feature	Why
Break a query into readable steps	CTE (WITH)	Improves maintainability
Hierarchies / graphs	Recursive CTE	SQL-native recursion
Ranking, running totals, deltas	Window functions	Keep detail rows while computing analytics
Flexible attributes	jsonb	Queryable semi-structured data with indexes
Session-scoped intermediate results	Temporary tables	Useful for ETL and complex workflows

Lessons

• Common Table Expressions (CTEs)
• Recursive CTE Patterns
• Temporary Tables
• Window Functions
• JSONB Querying and Indexing

What's Next

• Continue to 9. Database Management