ALTER Command vs. UPDATE Command: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 20, 2024
The ALTER Command modifies the structure of a database table, while the UPDATE Command modifies the data within a table.
Key Differences
The ALTER Command is used in database management systems to change the structure of existing tables. This can include adding, deleting, or modifying columns and constraints. In contrast, the UPDATE Command is designed to modify the actual data within the table's rows. It changes the values of the specified columns in one or more rows.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 20, 2024
With the ALTER Command, database administrators can adapt the schema of a table to evolving data requirements without affecting the stored data. Conversely, the UPDATE Command directly impacts the data contained in the table, altering the contents of existing rows without changing the table's overall structure.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 20, 2024
The ALTER Command is essential for maintaining the long-term integrity and relevance of the database schema. The UPDATE Command, on the other hand, is more about the day-to-day manipulation of the data within the database, ensuring that the information remains current and accurate.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 20, 2024
The scope of the ALTER Command is structural: it affects how data can be stored or constrained. The UPDATE Command's scope is data-centric, focusing on modifying what is already stored within the database's existing framework.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 20, 2024
The ALTER Command often requires careful planning and consideration due to its impact on database structure. In contrast, the UPDATE Command is commonly used for routine data maintenance and is a regular part of database operations.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 20, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Used to add, delete, or modify columns and constraints
Used to change existing data in table rows
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 20, 2024
Impact on Data
Does not alter existing data
Directly alters the data in the rows
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Feb 20, 2024
Long-term vs Short-term
More for long-term schema maintenance
More for short-term data management
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Feb 20, 2024
Requirement of Planning
Requires careful planning due to structural impact
Often used routinely, less planning required
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 20, 2024
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ALTER Command and UPDATE Command Definitions
ALTER Command
ALTER Command can be used to change table constraints.
To enforce data integrity, an ALTER Command was used to add a unique constraint.
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Jan 16, 2024
UPDATE Command
UPDATE Command is a SQL statement for data alteration within a table.
Employee salaries were increased using an UPDATE Command.
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Jan 16, 2024
ALTER Command
ALTER Command is used to modify the schema of a database table.
To accommodate phone numbers, we issued an ALTER Command to include an additional column.
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Jan 16, 2024
UPDATE Command
UPDATE Command changes values in table rows.
An UPDATE Command updated the stock levels in the inventory table.
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Jan 16, 2024
ALTER Command
ALTER Command adjusts the structure of a database table.
The database admin used the ALTER Command to add a new column for email addresses.
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Jan 16, 2024
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UPDATE Command
UPDATE Command allows for conditional data modification.
To mark orders as delivered, an UPDATE Command was executed where the status matched 'Shipped'.
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Jan 16, 2024
ALTER Command
ALTER Command enables the addition or deletion of columns in a table.
We removed an obsolete column using the ALTER Command.
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Jan 16, 2024
UPDATE Command
UPDATE Command is used to refresh table data.
A batch UPDATE Command was run to synchronize the user data with the latest information.
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Jan 16, 2024
ALTER Command
ALTER Command is a SQL statement for changing table architecture.
The ALTER Command was executed to change the data type of the salary column.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
UPDATE Command
UPDATE Command modifies existing data in a database table.
The UPDATE Command was used to correct the email address of a customer.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can ALTER Command add constraints?
Yes, it can add or modify constraints in a table.
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Feb 20, 2024
Does ALTER Command affect table data?
No, it modifies the table's structure, not the data itself.
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Feb 20, 2024
What does the ALTER Command do?
The ALTER Command changes the structure of a database table.
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Feb 20, 2024
Can ALTER Command be used to rename a table?
Yes, ALTER Command can rename a table.
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Is the ALTER Command reversible?
It depends on the alteration; some changes like adding a column are reversible, others are not.
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Feb 20, 2024
Can the ALTER Command change a column's data type?
Yes, it can change a column's data type if compatible.
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Feb 20, 2024
What happens if no WHERE clause is used in an UPDATE Command?
Without a WHERE clause, all rows in the table may be updated.
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Feb 20, 2024
Can ALTER Command affect database performance?
Yes, particularly if it involves large tables or complex changes.
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Feb 20, 2024
What is the primary use of the UPDATE Command?
The primary use is to modify existing data in a table.
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Feb 20, 2024
Can UPDATE Command update multiple rows at once?
Yes, it can update multiple rows based on the specified criteria.
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Feb 20, 2024
Can the ALTER Command add a primary key to a table?
Yes, it can be used to add or modify a table's primary key.
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Feb 20, 2024
How does the UPDATE Command handle data integrity?
It must comply with all constraints and rules defined in the table schema.
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Feb 20, 2024
Can UPDATE Command change the structure of a table?
No, it only changes the data within the table.
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Feb 20, 2024
Can the ALTER Command merge two columns?
No, it cannot merge columns; this requires a combination of commands and operations.
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Feb 20, 2024
Is it possible to rollback an UPDATE Command?
Yes, but only if the database transaction has not been committed yet.
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Is the UPDATE Command reversible?
Only if the previous data is known or backed up.
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Feb 20, 2024
Does the UPDATE Command work with JOINs?
Yes, it can be used with JOINs to update based on data in other tables.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 20, 2024
Does the UPDATE Command require a WHERE clause?
While not mandatory, a WHERE clause is recommended to target specific rows.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 20, 2024
Is ALTER Command specific to SQL databases?
Yes, it is a command used in SQL databases.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 20, 2024
How does UPDATE Command handle NULL values?
UPDATE Command can set a column's value to NULL or change it from NULL if allowed by the column's definition.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 20, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
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