DELETE in SQL vs. DROP in SQL: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 6, 2024
DELETE in SQL removes specific records from a table, maintaining the table's structure, whereas DROP in SQL completely removes a table or database, including its structure and data.
Key Differences
DELETE in SQL is used to remove one or more rows from a table, allowing the table structure to remain intact, unlike DROP, which removes the entire table or database.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
While DELETE operations can be rolled back if used within a transaction, DROP commands are irreversible, permanently deleting the table or database structure.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
DELETE allows for conditional removal of data using a WHERE clause, targeting specific records, whereas DROP removes all data and the table or database structure unconditionally.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
After using DELETE, the space occupied by the removed data can be reused for new data in the same table, but DROP frees up space by deleting the table itself.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
DELETE can affect table relationships and integrity constraints if foreign keys are involved, but DROP eliminates these concerns by removing the entire table or database.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Action
Removes specific rows from a table
Removes an entire table or database
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Feb 06, 2024
Space Reusability
Freed space can be reused in the same table
Frees up space by removing the structure
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Feb 06, 2024
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Impact on Integrity
Affects table relationships and integrity
Removes relationships and constraints altogether
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Syntax
DELETE FROM [table] WHERE [condition];
DROP TABLE [table]; or DROP DATABASE [database];
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Feb 06, 2024
Target
Specific rows based on conditions
Entire table or database without conditions
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Feb 06, 2024
Common Use
Cleaning up data, maintaining structure
Removing obsolete tables or databases
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Feb 06, 2024
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DELETE in SQL and DROP in SQL Definitions
DELETE in SQL
Can use a WHERE clause to specify which rows to delete.
DELETE FROM Employees WHERE Department = 'Sales';
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Jan 25, 2024
DROP in SQL
Frees up storage space by removing entities.
DROP DATABASE TestEnvironment;
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Jan 25, 2024
DELETE in SQL
Affects the data in a table but not its structure.
DELETE FROM Users WHERE Username = 'john_doe';
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Jan 25, 2024
DROP in SQL
Command to completely remove a table or database.
DROP TABLE Inventory;
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Jan 25, 2024
DELETE in SQL
Capable of being rolled back in a transaction.
BEGIN TRANSACTION; DELETE FROM Products WHERE Quantity = 0; ROLLBACK;
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Jan 25, 2024
DROP in SQL
Does not allow conditional removal, deletes everything.
DROP TABLE ArchivedLogs;
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DELETE in SQL
Command to remove specific rows from a table.
DELETE FROM Customers WHERE Age < 18;
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Jan 25, 2024
DROP in SQL
Irreversible action that cannot be rolled back.
DROP TABLE TemporaryData;
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Jan 25, 2024
DELETE in SQL
Used to selectively erase data while preserving the table.
DELETE FROM Orders WHERE OrderDate < '2020-01-01';
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DROP in SQL
Used to delete the structure along with the data.
DROP DATABASE OldRecords;
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Jan 25, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does DELETE do in SQL?
DELETE removes specific rows from a table based on conditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Can DELETE in SQL be undone?
Yes, if used within a transaction, DELETE can be rolled back.
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Feb 06, 2024
Does DELETE remove table structure?
No, DELETE only removes data, not the structure of the table.
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Feb 06, 2024
Does DELETE command affect database size?
DELETE may not immediately reduce database size, as it only removes data.
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Feb 06, 2024
Can DROP command be part of a transaction?
DROP can be included in transactions, but it's irreversible.
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Feb 06, 2024
Can DROP in SQL be conditional?
No, DROP is unconditional and removes the entire table or database.
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Feb 06, 2024
How quick is DROP in SQL?
DROP is generally faster as it removes entire structures without checking data.
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Feb 06, 2024
What is the main purpose of DROP in SQL?
DROP is used to completely remove a table or database, including its data and structure.
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Feb 06, 2024
What happens to the data after a DELETE command?
The data specified in the DELETE command is removed, but the table remains.
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Feb 06, 2024
Is DELETE in SQL fast?
DELETE speed depends on the number of rows and complexity of conditions.
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Feb 06, 2024
Does DELETE operation lock the table?
DELETE can lock the table temporarily during the operation.
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Feb 06, 2024
Can I use DELETE to remove all rows in a table?
Yes, but it's more efficient to use TRUNCATE for this purpose.
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Feb 06, 2024
How does DROP command affect database size?
DROP reduces database size by removing tables or entire databases.
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Feb 06, 2024
What if DROP is used without specifying a table?
Using DROP without specifying a table or database results in an error.
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Feb 06, 2024
Are there alternatives to DELETE for removing data?
Yes, TRUNCATE is an alternative for deleting all rows more efficiently.
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Feb 06, 2024
Can DELETE be used with a WHERE clause?
Yes, DELETE is often used with a WHERE clause for conditional deletion.
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Feb 06, 2024
Will DROP operation lock the database?
DROP may lock the database briefly as it removes structures.
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Feb 06, 2024
Is DROP used for cleaning data?
No, DROP is for removing entire tables or databases, not for cleaning data.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
What's the risk with using DROP?
The risk is accidentally deleting important structures and data irreversibly.
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Feb 06, 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.
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