Copy table structure to a new table in SQLite3

Hands-on solution: Retrieving Create Statements

Fret not! Should you require an exact copy, inclusive of constraints and indices, SQLite avails the CREATE TABLE SQL statement resting within the sqlite_master table. Simply extract it and modify as your requirements mandate.

-- "Speak, friend, and enter" - SQL for 'open sesame'.
SELECT sql FROM sqlite_master WHERE type='table' AND name='existing_table';
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Upon retrieving the SQL statement, the table name is yours to alter, then execute it to bring the new table to life.

Addressing data type and constraint issues

Within CREATE TABLE... AS SELECT..., be vigilant of SQLite's dynamic typing system - the chameleon of databases - which could potentially obscure explicit type constraints. For a spot-on replication, nabbing the CREATE TABLE statement discussed above sure comes handy.

Command line wizardry with sed

For those who find solace in the command line, tools like sed can rev up the replacement process in a schema. After securing the schema with .schema tablename, employ sed to craft a new table:

-- Abracadabra! Changing table names using sed.
echo ".schema existing_table" | sqlite3 databasename | sed 's/existing_table/new_table/' | sqlite3 databasename
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Checks and balances: Verify your schema

Creating a new table calls for a quick check! Verify its schema with:

-- A quick peek to make sure everything's in order.
.schema new_table
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GUI to the rescue: Using SQL tools

SQLiteStudio and an array of other GUI tools spruce up the process of replanting table structures. Copy and paste the CREATE TABLE statement or harness the cloning powers provided by these applications.

Scripting magic: SQLite Commands on stage

SQLite's .output and .read commands play the assistant to transfer and control the schema in files.

-- "Lumos!" Lighting up the path to schema.
.output /path/to/schema.sql
.schema existing_table
.output stdout
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Now, modify the table name in the schema file and read it into SQLite:

-- "Wingardium Leviosa!" Lifting the new schema into SQLite.
.read /path/to/modified_schema.sql
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Mission accomplished: Confirming table creation

Celebrate successful creation of the new table with SQLite's .tables.

Variable solutions: String Replacement tactics

SQLite's adaptability accommodates an assortment of string replacement methods, be it command-line tools or plain old manual text editing.

Data types and column guardianship

Copied tables can inherit identical data types and columns as those of the original, provided the method safeguards this information.

Trust the crowd: Community votes

Solutions with a thumbs up from the community earn trust, ensuring the right choice of method based on reliability and user comfort.

Pulling in the objects: Triggers, Views, Indexes

While cloning a table schema, be mindful of associated entities like triggers, views, and indexes. Below are the scalpel to dissect these:

Triggers

-- "Expelliarmus!" Disarming... I mean, listing all triggers from the table.
SELECT sql FROM sqlite_master WHERE type='trigger' AND tbl_name='existing_table';
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Views

-- "Riddikulus!" Transforming the views of this boggart, err... table.
SELECT sql FROM sqlite_master WHERE type='view' AND tbl_name='existing_table';
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Indexes

-- "Alohomora!" Unlocking all indexes from the table.
SELECT sql FROM sqlite_master WHERE type='index' AND tbl_name='existing_table';
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Post obtaining the respective CREATE statements, recraft them similar to the table to maintain the full functionality.

To Do:

1. All SQLite versions may not be on the same page. Always verify.
2. Have a backup before you meddle with the schema.
3. Foreign keys might need manual updating for new table names.
4. Using sed? Careful! Unintended string replacements can mess up schema. Review to be safe!