How to Change Column Name in SQL?

How to Change Column Name in SQL?

In SQL, we can change the column name of an existing table in a database using the ALTER TABLE statement. Let us look at the following steps to see how to change the column name in SQL:

• Select the table in which you have to make the changes. You can follow the given syntax to select your desired table -
   

/*Syntax to select a table in which we have to make the changes to a column*/

select * from  TableName

• Identify the current name of the column and the new name you want to give it.
   
• Use the ALTER TABLE statement after identifying the exact table and column to rename in the following way -
   

/*Syntax to use the ALTER TABLE statement*/

ALTER TABLE table_name 
CHANGE COLUMN oldcolumn_name to newcolumn_name;

Note that the above syntax is only valid for MySQL and MariaDB database systems. However, for Oracle, PostgreSQL, and also MySQL database systems, we can use the following syntax -  

/*Syntax to use the ALTER TABLE statement*/

ALTER TABLE table_name 
RENAME COLUMN oldcolumn_name to newcolumn_name;

Let's understand this through an example. Below is a table named "Shippings," displaying the shipping id, order status, and the number of customers. We wish to change the column name "shipping_id" to "id." 

We will use the alter table column command to make the changes.
 

ALTER TABLE Shippings 
RENAME COLUMN shipping_id to id;
SELECT * FROM Shippings;

Output

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MySQL?

MySQL is an open-source relational DBMS. It is widely used for web-based applications. It supports SQL and supports data storage in the form of tables.

What are the applications of SQL?

SQL has various applications such as web development, social media, finance, healthcare, and business applications.

What is a relational DBMS?

Relational DBMS is the most popular DBMS. In big organizations, it works with large and structured data. It is based on a relational model that classifies the data into tables or relations - for example - Oracle and MySQL.    

What is Oracle?

Oracle is a relational database management system. It is scalable and supports SQL and Oracle's proprietary procedural language. 

What is PostgreSQL?

It is an open-source relational database management system widely used for geospatial applications. It offers features like server-side programming.    

Conclusion

This article discussed SQL and how to change column name in sql with various examples for better understanding. If you want to dig deeper into SQL, here are some related articles - 
 

• SQL Syntax
• LIMIT in SQL
• TCL Commands in SQL
• How to rename a column in SQL
• Introduction to SQL 

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