What is another name for a subquery?

A subquery is often referred to as a nested query because it is a query that exists within another SQL query. This structure allows the nested query to provide results that are utilized by the outer query, making it a powerful tool for complex database operations. The design of nested queries enables them to retrieve data that is not readily available through a single query, often allowing for more dynamic queries to be constructed based on the results of the inner query.

In the context of SQL, nested queries are commonly used to perform operations like filtering, aggregating, or calculating data based on conditions derived from the results of another query. This hierarchical relationship emphasizes the subquery's role in supporting the overall SQL operation carried out by the outer query.

The terms 'outer query,' 'correlated query,' and 'search query' refer to different concepts within SQL. The outer query is the main query that encompasses the subquery, while a correlated query is a specific type of subquery that references columns from the outer query. A search query does not specifically pertain to the structure of queries but more generally to the action of retrieving information based on specific criteria. Therefore, the term nested query aptly describes another name for a subquery.