Previous

SQL TRUNCATE TABLE

The TRUNCATE TABLE statement in SQL is used to remove all rows from a table without deleting the table structure.

 

Key Features of SQL TRUNCATE TABLE

  • Removes all records from a table but keeps the structure intact.
  • Resets identity columns (Auto Increment values).
  • Faster than DELETE because it does not log individual row deletions.
  • Cannot be rolled back in some databases.

 

SQL TRUNCATE TABLE Syntax

TRUNCATE TABLE table_name;

 

Example: Truncating a Table

TRUNCATE TABLE Employees;
  • Deletes all rows from the Employees table but keeps the structure.

 

Difference Between TRUNCATE and DELETE

TRUNCATE TABLE vs DELETE FROM

Feature TRUNCATE TABLE DELETE FROM
Removes Data Yes (All Rows) Yes (Specific or All Rows)
Resets Identity Column Yes No
Can Be Rolled Back No (In Some DBs) Yes
Logs Individual Row Deletions No Yes
Uses WHERE Clause No Yes

 

Summary

  • TRUNCATE TABLE removes all rows from a table efficiently.
  • It resets auto-increment values.
  • It is faster than DELETE as it does not log each row deletion.
  • It cannot be rolled back in some databases.
Previous