The main difference between DROP and DELETE in SQL is that DROP is a Data Definition Language (DDL) command while DELETE is a Data Manipulation Language (DDL) command.
A database is a collection of data. Database Management System (DBMS) is a software that helps to store, retrieve and manipulate data in databases easily. Database stores data in tables. Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) is a sophisticated DBMS. The tables in an RDBMS are linked together. MySQL and MSSQL are two common RDBMS. Structured Query Language (SQL) helps to write queries and perform operations on data in RDBMS. DROP and DELETE are two major SQL commands.
Key Areas Covered
1. What are SQL Commands
– Categories
2. What is DROP in SQL
– Definition, Functionality
3. What is DELETE in SQL
– Definition, Functionality
4. What is the Difference Between DROP and DELETE in SQL
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
DDL, DROP, DELETE, SQL, RDBMS
What are SQL Commands
SQL commands mainly have three subsections. They are as follows.
Data Definition Language (DDL) – These commands help to modify the structure of the database and related objects.
Data Manipulation Language (DML) – These commands allow manipulating the data stored in the databases.
Data Control Language (DCL) – These commands help to manage the users who can access databases.
What is DROP in SQL
DROP is a DDL command in SQL.
Programmers can use DROP to delete an existing database from the RDBMS.
DROP DATABASE schoolInfo;
The above command deletes/eliminates the database called schoolInfo.
Furthermore, it is also possible to perform DROP on database objects such as tables. An example is as follows.
DROP TABLE student;
The command removes the table called student from the database.
What is DELETE in SQL
DELETE is a DML command in SQL. It helps to delete existing records from a table.
DELETE FROM student;
The above command helps to delete all the records from the table called student.
Furthermore, the programmer can write queries to perform operations only on selected rows using the WHERE clause.
DELETE FROM student
WHERE id = 10;
The command helps to delete the record that has the id 10 from the student table.
Difference Between DROP and DELETE in SQL
Definition
DROP is a command in SQL to delete databases or other objects (such as tables) from an RDBMS while DELETE is a command in SQL to delete rows from a table in a database of an RDBMS. Hence, this is the fundamental difference between DROP and DELETE in SQL.
Category
While DROP is a DDL command, DELETE is a DML command. Thus, this is the main difference between DROP and DELETE in SQL.
Usage
Moreover, DROP helps to delete databases or related objects while DELETE helps to remove the records in a table. This is another important difference between DROP and DELETE in SQL.
Conclusion
SQL is a language designed for managing data in RDBMS. DROP and DELETE are two important SQL commands. The main difference between DROP and DELETE in SQL is that DROP is a Data Definition Language (DDL) command while DELETE is a Data Manipulation Language (DDL) command.
Reference:
1. “SQL DROP Keyword.” Browser Statistics, Available here.
2. “Using DELETE SQL Command.” Types of Network Topology in Computer Networks | Studytonight, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “2394312” (CC0) via Pixabay
Leave a Reply