What is the Difference Between Copy and Duplicate?

The difference between "copy" and "duplicate" lies in their connotations and usage. Both terms refer to the act of reproducing or recreating something, but they have different implications:

1. Copy:

• Reproduces or imitates something with the aim of replicating its content, appearance, or functionality.
• Often carries a negative connotation, implying an attempt to deceive by creating a replica of the original.
• Commonly used with regard to documents, paintings, and similar items.

1. Duplicate:

• Creates an identical or exact reproduction of the original.
• Typically used for purposes of distribution, often in the context of creating additional identical or similar objects.
• Mainly used with regard to objects, and occasionally as a verb.

In summary, "copy" generally refers to the act of reproducing something with the intention of creating a replica, while "duplicate" implies creating an identical copy of the original for distribution or other purposes.

Comparative Table: Copy vs Duplicate

The main difference between copying and duplicating a table lies in how the new table is created and its relationship with the original table. Here's a summary of the differences:

In general, copying a table is used to create a new table with the same structure as the original, while duplicating a table creates a new table with both the structure and data from the original table.