Understanding tables in MySQL

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MySQL is one of the most popular databases in the world, widely used for web development and data management. One of the main features of MySQL is its table-based structure. Understanding tables in MySQL is critical for anyone wanting to work with this database. In this article, we are going to deeply explore the concept of tables in MySQL.

What is a table?

In simple terms, a table is a structure that organizes data into rows and columns, similar to an Excel spreadsheet. Each row in a table represents a data record, while each column represents a specific type of information. For example, a 'Customers' table might have columns for 'ID', 'Name', 'Email' and 'Phone'.

Creating Tables

The creation of tables in MySQL is done through the SQL command 'CREATE TABLE'. The basic syntax is as follows:

CREATE TABLE table_name ( column1 datatype, column2 data_type, ... );

Where 'table_name' is the name you want to give the table, 'column1' and 'column2' are the column names, and 'data_type' specifies the type of data each column can store.

Data Types

MySQL supports several data types that can be classified into three categories: numeric, datetime, and strings. Some of the more common data types include INT for integers, VARCHAR for text strings, DATE for dates, and FLOAT for floating point numbers.

Primary Keys

A primary key is a special column that is used to uniquely identify each record in a table. Each table must have a primary key. In the 'Customers' table example, the 'ID' column could be used as the primary key.

Foreign Keys

A foreign key is a column that is used to establish a link between data in two tables, based on the primary key values. Foreign keys are used to ensure data consistency and referential integrity.

Modifying Tables

MySQL provides several commands for modifying existing tables. For example, the 'ALTER TABLE' command can be used to add, modify or delete columns in an existing table. The 'DROP TABLE' command can be used to delete an entire table.

Querying Tables

To retrieve data from a table, we use the 'SELECT' command. This command can be used to retrieve all rows and columns, or just a subset of them, based on specific criteria.

In short, tables are the backbone of any MySQL database. They store the data that is manipulated and queried by the database. Understanding how tables work is a key step in becoming proficient in using MySQL.

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