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SQL stands for Structured Query Language, or sometimes “See Quel”. It is an ANSI (American National Standard Institute) standard language. It is used for the operation of databases. It involves creating, modifying, and deleting the databases. SQL mainly deals with the relational databases. Till date, many versions of SQL are present.
Drop Command in SQL
The drop command is a type of Data Definition Language command, also known as the DDL command. This command is used to delete the whole database or even a table. The drop command destroys all the information like the existing database, table, index, or view. Using this command, the complete information in the database is erased. The drop statement also removes the components from the relational database management system, which is abbreviated as RDBMS.
Syntax for the drop command in SQL
DROP OBJECT object_name
A few examples to show the drop command
- DROP TABLE table_name;
table_name: Name of the table to be deleted.
- DROP DATABASE database_name;
database_name: Name of the database to be deleted.
Truncate Command in SQL
It is also a type of a Data Definition Language command, also known as the DDL command. It is used to delete the number of rows in a table. This command is majorly given in order to empty the space in the table and reusing it for storing the information. As soon as this command is applied, all the data from the table is removed. The truncate command was officially introduced in the SQL: 2008.
Syntax for the truncate command in SQL
TRUNCATE TABLE table_name;
Table_name: Name of the table to be truncated
DATABASE name – student_name
Difference between drop command and truncate command
Drop command | Truncate command |
|---|---|
It is used to delete the whole database. | It is used to delete the rows in the database. |
The structure of the table is deleted. | The structure of the table is retained. |
Integrity constraints are also deleted. | Integrity constraints are not deleted. |
It does not take any memory. | It does not take any memory. |
It works slowly. | It works faster as compared with the drop command. |
Why is SQL so popular?
SQL is popular because it provides various features to execute the user’s demands. The SQL engine works out how to complete the task.
Some benefits of using SQL are:
- It is portable and handy
- It has a high speed
- It is simple and easy to use
- As already mentioned, SQL is a standardized structured query language approved by ISO and NSI.
- Very less code has to be written to execute the command
- The processing of the code is very fast
Some of the disadvantages of Using Sql
- SQL has a poor interface. It seems to make it complex even if it is not. Due to this reason, users find it difficult to handle it.
- Cost inefficient
- SQL does not grant full control over the databases.
- SQL is constantly under threat as it holds a large amount of data.
Conclusion
This article explains in detail the drop and truncate command in SQL. The drop and truncate command in SQL are nearly the same but there is a slight difference between the two. This is the reason why the students are confused between the two topics and they use it interchangeably.
So, by going through this article, one will be able to learn about the drop and truncate command in SQL language, its working, and the key differences between the two. We hope this article proved to be helpful.
