What is Data Definition Language (DDL)?
Data Definition Language (DDL) is a subset of SQL used to define and manage the structure of a database. DDL commands allow users to create, modify, and delete database objects such as tables, indexes, and schemas. Key DDL commands include:
- **CREATE**: Defines new database objects, such as tables, indexes, and views.
- **ALTER**: Modifies the structure of existing database objects, like adding or removing columns from a table.
- **DROP**: Deletes database objects, such as tables or indexes.
- **TRUNCATE**: Removes all records from a table but retains its structure for future use.
DDL is crucial for establishing and maintaining the schema of a database, ensuring that the data is organized and structured according to specific requirements.