Johnf,
I would think that the _p, _test, _r etc are local variables within the procedure/function and this is the way that the value (from the select) gets assigned to that local variable. -----Original Message----- From: pgsql-sql-ow...@postgresql.org [mailto:pgsql-sql-ow...@postgresql.org] On Behalf Of John Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 12:19 PM To: pgsql-sql@postgresql.org Subject: [SQL] understanding select into Hi, I am reviewing a function written by some xTuple guys. What is interesting about it is it uses the "INTO" statement like select something into _p from sometable where somecriteria. The function contiunes and uses the data retreived _p.somefield_name And then the function ends. Ok my question: I also thought the select "into" created a real table. But after running the function the table does not exist. I see no where that a 'drop' is issued. In fact the function uses lot's of select into's like (_test, _r, etc..). So would some kind soul explain what is happening. Could it be that "_p" is drop automaticly when the function ends? Something to do with scope. Could it have something to do with the fact the function returns only an integer? And that causes the table to be drop. As you can see I'm lost here! Johnf -- Sent via pgsql-sql mailing list (pgsql-sql@postgresql.org) To make changes to your subscription: http://www.postgresql.org/mailpref/pgsql-sql