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Duplicate rows in a database can cause inefficiencies, inaccuracies, and increased storage usage. They often occur due to data entry errors, system glitches, or poor database design. Identifying and removing duplicates ensures data integrity and optimal performance.
Below are common techniques to delete duplicate rows in SQL databases:
Method | Description |
---|---|
Using DISTINCT with a Temporary Table |
Copy non-duplicate rows to a new table, then replace the original table. |
Using ROW_NUMBER() (SQL Server, PostgreSQL) |
Assign a row number to each record and delete rows with numbers greater than 1. |
Using GROUP BY and HAVING |
Group rows by key columns and delete those with a count greater than 1. |
Prevent duplicates by enforcing unique constraints, validating data before insertion, and normalizing databases. Regular audits and cleanup scripts can also help maintain a clean dataset.