TRUNCATE vs DELETE vs DROP in SQL - Quick Revision & Key Differences

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the DELETE command do in SQL?

DELETE removes rows from a table based on a condition. If no condition is given, it removes all rows but keeps the table structure.

intermediate

How is TRUNCATE different from DELETE?

TRUNCATE quickly removes all rows from a table without logging individual row deletions. It resets the table but keeps its structure.

beginner

What happens when you use DROP on a table?

DROP completely removes the table and its data from the database. The table structure and all data are deleted permanently.

intermediate

Which command is faster for removing all rows: DELETE or TRUNCATE?

TRUNCATE is faster because it does not log each row deletion and resets the table quickly.

advanced

Can DELETE be rolled back in a transaction? What about TRUNCATE?

DELETE can be rolled back because it logs each row deletion. TRUNCATE may not be rolled back in some databases because it is a DDL operation.

Which SQL command removes all rows but keeps the table structure intact?

A TRUNCATE

B DELETE

C ALTER

D DROP

TRUNCATE removes all rows quickly but keeps the table structure.

Which command permanently deletes the table and its data?

A UPDATE

B TRUNCATE

C DELETE

D DROP

DROP removes the entire table and its data from the database.

Which command logs each row deletion and can be rolled back?

A TRUNCATE

B DROP

C DELETE

D CREATE

DELETE logs each row deletion and supports rollback in transactions.

Which command is generally faster for removing all rows from a table?

A DROP

B TRUNCATE

C DELETE

D INSERT

TRUNCATE is faster because it does not log individual row deletions.

After using DROP on a table, what remains in the database?

A Nothing

B Table data only

C Table structure only

D Both structure and data

DROP removes both the table structure and data completely.

Explain the differences between TRUNCATE, DELETE, and DROP commands in SQL.

Think about what happens to the data and the table itself with each command.

When would you choose TRUNCATE over DELETE or DROP? Give a simple example.

Consider performance and table preservation.