Copy the data extension records into another data extension using Ampscript or SSJS [closed]

Question

Can we copy the records of one data extension into another data extension using ampscript/SSJS? If yes, kindly let me know the approach.

Answer 1

I would create one script to duplicate your data extension, you can use WSProxy to do this (Retrieve DE info call, Retrieve Fields call then Create DE call) and then create and perform query activities via SSJS to fill in the newly created data extension.

Simple example of the create then execute script for Query:

<script runat="server">
Platform.Load("Core","1.1") ;

var deName = {{yourTargetDEName}}

var queryName = {{yourQueryName}}

var queryDef = { Name : queryName,

CustomerKey : queryName,
TargetUpdateType : "Overwrite",
TargetType : "DE",

Target:{
Name: deName,
CustomerKey : deName
},
QueryText : "SELECT {{myField}} FROM {{mySourceDE}}"
};

var status = QueryDefinition.Add(queryDef);

sleep(3000); //Wait for 3 seconds
//This helps ensure creation is complete before attempting to execute

var qd = QueryDefinition.Init("myQueryDef");
var status = qd.Perform();


function sleep(milliseconds) {
  var start = new Date().getTime();
  for (var i = 0; i < 1e7; i++) {
    if ((new Date().getTime() - start) > milliseconds){
      break;
    }
  }
}
</script>

Answer 2

I would never use neither Ampscript nor SSJS to copy data across data extensions. Both from performance and from configuration perspective, Query Activities in Automation Studio are far superior.

The only case, where I use SSJS for updating data, is when I need to update a list (e.g. All Subscribers) based on data in a data extension.