Sql query to delete all rows in a table without deleting the table

Managing data in MySQL and MariaDB often involves removing all records from a table. This is common when clearing test data or preparing a table for new data.

Delete row in sql

There are multiple ways to do this, depending on the requirement, but it's essential to understand the differences between each method.

In both MySQL and MariaDB, you can use the DELETE command to remove all rows from a table.

However, this operation can be slow for large datasets as it logs each deletion. If speed and efficiency are needed, the TRUNCATE command provides a faster alternative by removing all records without logging individual row deletions.

It also resets the auto-increment value, making it an ideal choice when you need a clean slate.

Before executing these operations, always ensure proper backups. Deleting or truncating data is irreversible unless you restore it from a backup.

This is crucial for preventing accidental data loss. After running either of these commands, the table structure remains intact, allowing the table to be repurposed or kept empty as needed.