SQL DROP TABLE and TRUNCATE TABLE Statements

These SQL commands are used to remove tables or their data from a database. Use caution, as data deletion is typically permanent unless you have a backup!

DROP TABLE

Deleting a Table

The DROP TABLE statement completely removes a table from the database, including its structure and all its data. This action is irreversible unless you have a backup of your database.

DROP TABLE table_name;
      

Example: Deleting the "Shippers" Table

DROP TABLE Shippers;
      

(The Shippers table and all its data are permanently deleted.)
      

TRUNCATE TABLE

Deleting Data from a Table

The TRUNCATE TABLE statement removes all data from a table but leaves the table's structure (columns, indexes, etc.) intact. This is generally faster than deleting rows individually using DELETE but is still a destructive operation. It's important to note that you cannot undo this operation without a database backup.

TRUNCATE TABLE table_name;
      

Example: Truncating the "Categories" Table

TRUNCATE TABLE Categories;
      

(All data is deleted from the Categories table, but the table structure remains.)