Temporary tables are a powerful tool in SQL for storing data temporarily. They are distinct from permanent tables in that they are not stored in the database's persistent storage. This means they are only accessible within the current session or transaction. This is useful for holding data that is only needed for a specific query or procedure. Temporary tables are often used for intermediate calculations, data transformations, or holding results from complex queries. They are also a good way to avoid cluttering your permanent tables with temporary data. Crucially, temporary tables are automatically dropped when the session ends, preventing data from lingering and potentially causing issues.