Background
A Common Table Expression (CTE) in T-SQL is like a versatile tool in the toolbox of a SQL developer. It’s a way to create a temporary result set that you can reference within a larger SQL statement. Think of it as a query-within-a-query that simplifies complex tasks, improves query readability, and opens up powerful possibilities in SQL programming.
Imagine you’re working with a vast database, trying to extract specific information from it. Instead of writing one monolithic query that’s hard to decipher, you can break it down into manageable parts using CTEs. Each CTE acts as a stepping