Introduction

ALTER command is among the most essential SQL features to know for database manipulation and administration. This Information Definition Language (DDL) command can alter current tables by including, eradicating, or updating columns, constraints, and indexes. We’ll take a look at alternative ways to make use of the ALTER command to spotlight its flexibility. As well as, ALTER TABLE statements in SQL could also be used to vary the info sort of an current column to match new information 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.

Functions of ALTER Command

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

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 use 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 Present Column

To change an current 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 are able to change different information varieties as nicely for different columns.

Dropping a Column

To take away an current 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 lengthen 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);

This can 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;

This can 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 workers;

This can rename the `staff` desk to `workers`.

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 pliability required for adaptable database design and administration. This command makes it simple to replace database buildings as wants change.

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

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