Suggest an editImprove this articleRefine the answer for “How does DROP TABLE differ from DELETE?”. Your changes go to moderation before they’re published.Approval requiredContentWhat you’re changing🇺🇸EN🇺🇦UAPreviewTitle (EN)Short answer (EN)The main difference between `DROP TABLE` and `DELETE` is what exactly gets removed: `DROP TABLE` completely removes the table along with all its records and structure (unrecoverable without a backup), while `DELETE` removes only the data (rows), and the table's structure stays. **Key point:** `DELETE` can remove specific records with `WHERE` and can be rolled back within a transaction (`COMMIT`/`ROLLBACK`); `DROP TABLE` can't be restricted - it removes the whole table, and after a `DELETE` the table keeps existing and new data can still be inserted into it.Shown above the full answer for quick recall.Answer (EN)ImageThe **main difference** between `DROP TABLE` and `DELETE` in SQL is **what exactly gets removed** and **how it affects the table's structure**. | Command | What it removes | Effect on structure | Can it be rolled back | Example | |---|---|---|---|---| | DROP TABLE | The whole table, along with every record and its structure | The table disappears entirely from the database | In most DBMSs, unrecoverable without a backup | `DROP TABLE Employees;` | | DELETE | Only the data (rows) in the table | The table's structure stays | Can be rolled back within a transaction (if `COMMIT/ROLLBACK` is used) | `DELETE FROM Employees WHERE Age > 60;` | ### Additionally - `DELETE` can remove **specific records** using `WHERE`. - `DROP TABLE` can't be restricted, it removes the entire table. - After a `DELETE`, the table keeps existing, and new data can still be inserted into it. Put simply: - **DROP TABLE = remove the table entirely**. - **DELETE = clear out or remove individual records, but the table remains.**For the reviewerNote to the moderator (optional)Visible only to the moderator. Helps review go faster.