How To Change Name Of Column In Mysql Table

Larn how to safely rename a column in a MySQL database using a universal multi-featured tool – dbForge Studio for MySQL.

To paraphrase Heraclitus, the just constant is change. That concerns databases likewise. With time, business requirements alter forcing the database development process to adapt. Thus, database developers increasingly confront the necessity to perform structural database refactorings – rename columns, tables, and\or views with the purpose to increment code readability or prefer database naming conventions.

How to rename a cavalcade in MySQL using the ALTER Table command

To rename a column in MySQL the following syntax is used:

          Modify TABLE table_name  RENAME COLUMN old_column_name TO new_column_name;

This command is used to change the name of a column to a new column name. However, renaming columns this way you run the risk of breaking database dependencies. And the consequences of the seemingly simple changes can be disastrous. Therefore, information technology's better to use a database refactoring tool that volition let y'all to alter the proper noun of any database object in your database. All references to and usages of the name volition exist updated automatically.

How to rename a column in MySQL with the help of dbForge Studio for MySQL

dbForge Studio for MySQL is a multifunctional GUI for MySQL database direction. Information technology incorporates a robust MySQL Database Refactoring Tool allowing you to freely rename database objects and better the design of your databases with minimum time and attempt.

Follow these steps to rename a column in dbForge Studio for MySQL.

Stride 1. Select a cavalcade to rename

In the Database Explorer tree, navigate to the column you want to rename. Then right-click it and select the Rename command from the context menu that appears.

dbForge Studio for MySQL - rename column

Step two. Change the cavalcade proper noun and preview changes

Now, enter the new column name and press Enter. The Preview Changes window will open up. Check the lawmaking changes to make sure that the changes are right. Click Apply if everything is ok.

Annotation:
At this stage, you can select to search the dependencies throughout the entire database and/or generate the rename table script without updating the database. Click the respective checkbox if necessary.

MySQL change column name - preview changes

Renaming foreign-key columns in MySQL

When renaming a column, you e'er take to worry about references that utilize strange keys – if you manually rename a column (for instance, using the MySQL modify table – rename column statement), these dependencies volition exist lost or you will have to locate all foreign keys, drop them, then rename the column and recreate the keys. The dbForge Studio for MySQL saves you the trouble. The tool will find all foreign keys and volition apply the new column proper name throughout your database.

Renaming columns in MySQL views

It is quite mutual that the cavalcade you need to rename is used in views. In example you simply rename the column, you lot'll get an mistake when selecting data for that view. To avoid this, you will have to update all views that apply the renamed cavalcade later on you actually rename information technology. But at present dbForge Studio for MySQL tin relieve you time. The tool volition automatically update all views and the database behavioral and advisory semantics will be retained.

Conclusion

dbForge Studio for MySQL can boast advanced built-in capabilities for MySQL database refactoring. With the tool, y'all can smartly rename database objects maintaining overall semantic integrity.

Get a xxx-day free trial of dbForge Studio for MySQL and start enjoying it today.