SQL DROP DATABASE

SQL DROP DATABASE Statement

The SQL DROP DATABASE statement is used to delete an existing database and all of its tables and data. This operation is irreversible and should be used with caution, as it will permanently remove the database and all the information it contains.

Syntax

DROP DATABASE database_name;
  • DROP DATABASE: This is the SQL keyword used to delete a database.
  • database_name: This specifies the name of the database you want to delete.

Example

Let's go through a complete example that includes creating a database, creating a table, inserting data into the table, and then dropping the database.

Step 1: Creating a Database

This step involves creating a new database named example_db.

CREATE DATABASE example_db;

In this example, we create a database named example_db.

Step 2: Using the New Database

This step involves selecting the newly created database to use it for subsequent operations.

USE example_db;

This command selects example_db as the current database.

Step 3: Creating a Table

In this step, we create a table named employees within the newly created database.

CREATE TABLE employees (
    id INT AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
    first_name VARCHAR(50) NOT NULL,
    last_name VARCHAR(50) NOT NULL,
    email VARCHAR(100),
    hire_date DATE
);

Here, we define the employees table with columns for id, first_name, last_name, email, and hire_date. The id column is set as the primary key and will auto-increment.

Step 4: Inserting Data into the Table

This step involves inserting some sample data into the employees table.

INSERT INTO employees (first_name, last_name, email, hire_date) VALUES ('John', 'Doe', 'john.doe@example.com', '2023-01-01');
INSERT INTO employees (first_name, last_name, email, hire_date) VALUES ('Jane', 'Smith', 'jane.smith@example.com', '2023-02-01');

Here, we insert two rows of data into the employees table.

Step 5: Dropping the Database

This step involves deleting the example_db database along with all its tables and data.

DROP DATABASE example_db;

This command will permanently delete the example_db database and all the data it contains. Use this command with caution, as it cannot be undone.