Knowledge Hub

In typical SQL world (Structured Query Language), usually managing and manipulating data efficiently is very crucial for its performance, database lifecycle or DWH scalability. Temporary tables and materialized views are two powerful constructs (objects) that help in achieving both objectives simultaneously. Even though each serves a unique purpose within data operations and data streams. Let´s look at both little closer.

Temporary Tables

We can define them as typical tables which are created within a database session and are only available during the lifetime of that particular session. Lifetime during session is critical as they are designed to store intermediate results, results of window functions for complex calculations or data processing tasks and massive data manipulations.

Temporary tables are essentially useful in scenarios where data needs to be temporarily held and manipulated without affecting the main database tables. Here comes why it is called “temporary”. After your session ends, the temporary table is automatically discarded - same as you run command DROP TABLE, after query results are taken into another step. This way processing ensures no permanent database storage is consumed. You can imagine storing all 245 steps and their output tables consisting of 6 billion rows and 700 columns each day to have versions of each step.

Turning Insights into Impact

Data storytelling is the art of translating complex data into a compelling narrative that drives action. Just like a well-structured story, data storytelling involves characters, context, risks, and resolution.

1. Engage Key Stakeholders (Characters)

Every good story has characters, and in data storytelling, these characters are your key stakeholders. They include business leaders, data teams, regulators, and end-users. Each stakeholder has different interests and priorities, so engaging them effectively ensures that data initiatives align with real needs.

Example (Banking Sector):

Imagine a bank wants to improve customer satisfaction. The key stakeholders might include:

• Bank Managers (who need insights to improve customer service),
• Customers (who want quick and secure banking services),
• Loan Officers (who need better data to approve or reject loan applications),
• Regulators (who ensure the bank follows financial laws).