SQL ALTER TABLE Assertion

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Introduction

ALTER command is among the most necessary SQL capabilities to know for database manipulation and administration. This Information Definition Language (DDL) command can alter present tables by including, eradicating, or updating columns, constraints, and indexes. We’ll have a look at other ways to make use of the ALTER command to focus on its flexibility. As well as, ALTER TABLE statements in SQL could also be used to vary the information sort of an present column to match new knowledge wants.

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Overview

Be taught the aim and performance of the SQL ALTER command.
Perceive how and the place to make use of SQL’s ALTER TABLE statements.
Discover numerous eventualities and examples demonstrating the usage of this SQL perform.

Purposes of ALTER Command

The ALTER command in SQL can be utilized for a number of functions. Listed here are some frequent functions:

Pattern Desk

Right here’s a pattern desk on which we can be testing out numerous ALTER TABLE statements.

Including a New Column

So as to add a brand new column in our Worker desk, you should utilize the ADD COLUMN assertion.

ALTER TABLE staff
ADD COLUMN birth_date DATE;
SELECT emp_id, birth_date from Workers WHERE emp_id BETWEEN 1 AND 5;

This provides a brand new column named `birth_date` of sort DATE within the desk, however the values are empty as we simply added a brand new column in Workers.

Modifying an Current Column

To switch an present column, use the MODIFY or ALTER COLUMN clause.

ALTER TABLE staff
MODIFY COLUMN birth_date DATETIME;

The `birth_date` column within the `staff` desk modifications from DATE to DATETIME sort. Equally we will change different knowledge varieties as properly for different columns.

Dropping a Column

To take away an present column out of your desk, use the DROP COLUMN in SQL.

ALTER TABLE staff
DROP COLUMN birth_date;

This SQL question removes the birth_date column from the workers desk.

Including Constraints

The ALTER command’s makes use of prolong to including constraints to a desk like including a main key, overseas key, or distinctive constraint.

ALTER TABLE staff
ADD CONSTRAINT pk_employee_id PRIMARY KEY (emp_id);

It will add a main key constraint named `pk_employee_id` on the `emp_id` column of the `staff` desk.

Eradicating Constraints

We use the DROP CONSTRAINT to take away a constraint from the desk.

ALTER TABLE staff
DROP CONSTRAINT pk_employee_id;

It will take away the first key constraint (pk_employee_id) from the Workers desk.

Renaming a Desk

The ALTER command may rename a desk.

ALTER TABLE staff
RENAME TO employees;

It will rename the `staff` desk to `employees`.

Conclusion

DDL’s ALTER command could be very efficient for managing and altering database desk buildings. Customers can add, change, or delete columns and constraints, offering the flexibleness required for adaptable database design and administration. This command makes it straightforward to replace database buildings as wants change.

Be taught Extra: SQL: A Full Fledged Information from Fundamentals to Superior Stage

Often Requested Questions

Q1. Does the ALTER command help altering an outdated column’s knowledge sort?

A. Sure you should utilize ALTER for this use case. Right here’s an instance:
ALTER TABLE staff MODIFY COLUMN employee_id VARCHAR(10);

Q2. The way to set a default worth to a column utilizing ALTER?

A. You may add a default worth to an present column utilizing the ALTER command by utilizing SET DEFAULT. Right here’s an instance:
ALTER TABLE staff ALTER COLUMN employee_id SET DEFAULT 'UNKNOWN';

Q3. Can SQL I take away a column from a desk?

A. The ALTER TABLE and DROP COLUMN instructions can be utilized to drop a column. Right here’s an instance of dropping department_id from the workers desk:
ALTER TABLE staff DROP COLUMN department_id;

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