In Microsoft SQL Server, a local temporary table created with a single number sign prefix (for example #temp) can be shared by multiple users across different sessions. Is this statement correct?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: The statement is not correct; a local temporary table is visible only in the session that created it and cannot be shared across sessions

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
SQL Server provides temporary tables for storing intermediate results during query execution and procedural logic. These temporary tables come in local and global varieties, each with different visibility rules. This question asks whether a local temporary table can be shared by multiple users across different sessions.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Local temporary tables are created with names starting with a single number sign, for example #mytemp.
  • Global temporary tables are created with names starting with a double number sign, for example ##mytemp.
  • The statement claims that a local temporary table can be shared by multiple users.
  • We assume standard SQL Server behavior.


Concept / Approach:
A local temporary table is scoped to the session or connection that creates it. Only that session can see and use the table. When the session ends, the table is automatically dropped. No other session can access that local temporary table, even if it uses the same name. In contrast, a global temporary table is visible to all sessions and can be shared until all referencing sessions end. Therefore, the claim that local temporary tables can be shared by multiple users is not correct.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the naming convention: #temp for local temporary tables and ##temp for global temporary tables. Step 2: Understand that local temporary tables are stored in tempdb but tagged in such a way that only the creating session can reference them. Step 3: Recognize that when the session that created a local temporary table disconnects, SQL Server drops the table automatically. Step 4: Compare the statement in the question with this behavior and observe that it contradicts the documented scope of local temporary tables. Step 5: Conclude that the statement is not correct and that local temporary tables cannot be shared across sessions.


Verification / Alternative check:
Open two separate sessions to the same SQL Server instance. In the first session, create a local temporary table named #demo and insert data. In the second session, attempt to select from #demo. You will receive an error because the table does not exist in that session. This experiment clearly shows that local temporary tables are not shared between sessions and supports the conclusion that the statement is not correct.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The statement is correct; local temporary tables are global by default and visible to all users confuses local and global temporary tables. The statement is correct only when the database is in single user mode adds a condition that does not change the scoping rules of local temporary tables. The statement is correct only if the table name is unique within the entire server ignores the fact that SQL Server internally renames local temporary tables to ensure uniqueness, but that does not make them shared. The statement is not correct because SQL Server does not support temporary tables at all is wrong because SQL Server does support both local and global temporary tables.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes assume that because temporary tables live in tempdb, they must be accessible to everyone, but scoping rules are enforced by the engine. Confusion between # and ## prefixes is also common. Remember that sharing is provided by global temporary tables, while local temporary tables remain private to the creating session.


Final Answer:
The correct evaluation is that the statement is not correct; a local temporary table is visible only in the session that created it and cannot be shared across sessions.

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