In MySQL, how to copy the content of one table to another table within the same database?

Handling different data scenarios

Selective Data Transfer - Using WHERE clause

Need to copy only some rows? The WHERE clause is your friend!

-- And you thought shopping selectively only applied to groceries!
INSERT INTO new_table
SELECT * FROM existing_table
WHERE condition;
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Exact Structure Clone - CREATE TABLE LIKE

Want to an exact structure clone without data like a showroom piece? Here you go:

-- Because sometimes you just want an empty twin!
CREATE TABLE new_table LIKE existing_table;
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Both structure and data copying in one go

For cloning structure and data simultaneously, check this out:

-- All at once, because we're efficient like that!
CREATE TABLE new_table
SELECT * FROM existing_table;
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Complex table structures? No problem!

Custom column mapping

For differently structured tables, align the column names:

-- Columns, assemble! Yes, you too, data types!
INSERT INTO new_table(dest_col1, dest_col2)
SELECT source_col1, source_col2 FROM existing_table;
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Ensuring data integrity and efficiency

Stay smart! Preserve data integrity and efficiency by observing foreign keys, indexes, and constraints.

Advanced considerations for pros

On-the-fly data transformation

Modify data during the copy process using SQL functions:

-- Let's go Transformers on this data!
INSERT INTO new_table
SELECT CONCAT(first_name, ' ', last_name) as full_name FROM existing_table;
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Handling bulky data transfers

For massive data, consider row chunking, batch inserts, or even temporary tables.

Taking care of auto-increment values

When dealing with auto-increment columns, take care to properly manage them, or they might bump into each other!