What is the major difference between DROP and TRUNCATE in SQL?

The major difference between DROP and TRUNCATE in SQL is that the DROP command is used for removing the table definition and indexes, data, triggers, constraints, etc for a given table. While the TRUNCATE command is used for removing all the tuples and their elements from the table.

What is a TRUNCATE in SQL?

In the Structured Query Language(SQL), the TRUNCATE is a Data Definition Language(DDL) command that is used to eliminate all the elements from the given table. The TRUNCATE command is faster than the DROP command and the DELETE command. An example of a Syntax of the TRUNCATE command is TRUNCATE TABLE table_name;

Can we roll back after the DROP TABLE?

No, we cannot roll back(undone) a DROP TABLE statement because table space is freed from memory in the DROP command and this command permanently deletes the table and all its contents. Note: For the external table, the DROP statement removes only the table metadata from the database.

Which is faster DROP or TRUNCATE in SQL?

In the Structured Query Language(SQL), the DROP command is quick and easy to perform but it rises to complications Whereas the TRUNCATE command is faster than the DROP command. So, the TRUNCATE is faster compared to DROP as it makes fewer uses of the transaction logs.

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Difference Between DROP and TRUNCATE in SQL

Q: What is a DROP in SQL?

In the Structured Query Language(SQL), the DROP command is a Data Definition Language(DDL) command that is used to eliminate the table definition and indexes, constraints, triggers, data etc for that table. Table space is freed from memory in the DROP command. An example of a Syntax of the DROP command is DROP TABLE table_name;

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 25th, 2023

The difference between DROP and TRUNCATE in SQL is that the DROP command removes the whole database or table indexes, data, and more. While the TRUNCATE command is used for removing all the rows from the given table. Structured Query Language(SQL) is a language used to perform operations in the database on stored records, such as updating records, deleting records, inserting records, views, creating and modifying database tables, etc.

Here, we will explain the difference between DROP and TRUNCATE in SQL, then briefly explore the DROP and TRUNCATE commands in SQL. We have elaborated on the differences in several parameters below.

Table of content

1. Differences Between DROP and TRUNCATE in SQL
2. What is a DROP in SQL?
3. What is TRUNCATE in SQL?

Differences Between DROP and TRUNCATE in SQL

DROP and TRUNCATE in SQL are used to delete the data or information from the tables in DBMS. The major differences between these two devices are elaborated in the table provided below:

Key Differences Between DROP and TRUNCATE in SQL

DROP in SQL	TRUNCATE in SQL
This DROP command is used for removing the table definition and its contents.	The TRUNCATE command is used for deleting all the rows from the table.
In this command, table space is free from memory.	Whereas this command does not free the tablespace from memory.
This DROP command is a Data Definition Language (DDL) command.	This TRUNCATE command is also a Data Definition Language (DDL) command.
A view of the table does not exist in the DROP command.	A view of the table exists in the TRUNCATE command.
Undo space can not be used in the DROP command	Undo space is used in this command, but it is less than the DELETE command.
Integrity constraints will be removed in the DROP command.	Integrity constraints will not be removed in the TRUNCATE command
This command is quick to perform, but it also gives rise to complications.	This command is faster than the DROP command.

What is a DROP in SQL?

The DROP is a Data Definition Language(DDL) command that removes table definition and indexes, constraints, triggers, data, etc for that table. According to the performance, the DROP command is quick to perform but slower than TRUNCATE because it sometimes rises to complications. Unlike the DELETE command, we can’t roll back the content after using the DROP command. Table space is freed from memory in the DROP command because this command permanently deletes the table and all its contents.