> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mariadb.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/reference/sql-statements/data-manipulation/selecting-data/common-table-expressions.md).

# Common Table Expressions (CTE)

Learn about Common Table Expressions (CTEs) in MariaDB Server. This section explains how to use CTEs for complex, readable, and reusable subqueries, simplifying data selection and manipulation.

{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% content-ref url="/pages/S1LP85cv69g5DPELrbJ2" %}
[Recursive Common Table Expressions Overview](/docs/server/reference/sql-statements/data-manipulation/selecting-data/common-table-expressions/recursive-common-table-expressions-overview.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}
Process hierarchical data using recursive CTEs. These expressions reference themselves to repeatedly execute a subquery, perfect for traversing tree structures or generating sequences.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% content-ref url="/pages/cQKt58i9nOnTQ0deaMkx" %}
[Non-Recursive Common Table Expressions Overview](/docs/server/reference/sql-statements/data-manipulation/selecting-data/common-table-expressions/non-recursive-common-table-expressions-overview.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}
Define simple temporary result sets. Non-recursive CTEs act like query-local views, improving readability by allowing you to define and reuse subqueries within a single statement.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% content-ref url="/pages/3HkX4nh7k5oboVO4JY5p" %}
[WITH](/docs/server/reference/sql-statements/data-manipulation/selecting-data/common-table-expressions/with.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}
Complete WITH clause reference: WITH \[RECURSIVE] AS (SELECT...) syntax, recursive CTE support, CYCLE...RESTRICT cycle detection, and max\_recursive\_iterations.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

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