How Can I Use Calculated Columns Within the Same Query in PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL: Efficiently Using Calculated Columns Within a Single Query

PostgreSQL, a powerful relational database management system, offers robust data manipulation capabilities. However, using calculated columns within a single query differs from some other database systems. Let's explore this nuance.

Consider this SQL-like approach, which attempts to use calculated columns directly within the main query:

SELECT cost_1, quantity_1, cost_2, quantity_2, 
       (cost_1 * quantity_1) AS total_1,
       (cost_2 * quantity_2) AS total_2,
       (total_1 + total_2) AS total_3
FROM data;

This will fail in PostgreSQL. The error arises because total_1 and total_2 are not recognized as existing columns at the point where total_3 is calculated.

The solution involves employing a common table expression (CTE) or a subquery to make the intermediate calculated columns available. Here's how to achieve this using a CTE:

WITH calculated_totals AS (
    SELECT cost_1, quantity_1, cost_2, quantity_2, 
           (cost_1 * quantity_1) AS total_1,
           (cost_2 * quantity_2) AS total_2
    FROM data
)
SELECT cost_1, quantity_1, cost_2, quantity_2, total_1, total_2, 
       (total_1 + total_2) AS total_3
FROM calculated_totals;

This revised query first defines a CTE, calculated_totals, which computes total_1 and total_2. The main query then references these calculated columns from the CTE to compute total_3. This approach ensures correct calculation without performance overhead. Using CTEs is generally preferred for readability and maintainability in complex queries. The use of CTEs or subqueries in this scenario does not impact performance negatively.

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