SQL DELETE Statement

The DELETE statement in SQL is used to remove rows from a table. It's a powerful command, but use it cautiously because deleting data is typically irreversible (unless you have backups).

DELETE: Definition and Usage

DELETE removes rows from a table based on the conditions you specify in the WHERE clause. The WHERE clause is absolutely critical; omitting it will delete *all* rows in the table. This is often undesirable and can result in a significant loss of data.

Syntax

DELETE FROM table_name
WHERE condition;
      

Example

Deleting a Specific Row

This example deletes the customer "Alfreds Futterkiste" from the 'Customers' table. (Assumes a 'Customers' table with a 'CustomerName' column).

DELETE FROM Customers
WHERE CustomerName = 'Alfreds Futterkiste';
      

(The row representing Alfreds Futterkiste is deleted from the Customers table.)
      

Deleting All Rows (Caution!)

This example shows how to delete *all* rows from the 'Customers' table. The table structure remains, but all data is gone. Use this with extreme care!

DELETE FROM Customers;
      

(All rows are deleted from the Customers table. The table structure remains intact.)