In SQL, which command is used to delete existing records from a table?

In SQL, which command is used to delete existing records from a table?

• A. REMOVE
• B. DELETE
• C. DROP
• D. TRUNCATE

Answer: (B)

The command used to delete existing records from a table in SQL is DELETE. This command enables you to specify criteria for which records to remove, allowing for targeted deletions based on conditions. For example, you can use a WHERE clause to delete specific rows that meet certain conditions, ensuring that you do not unintentionally remove all records from the table. In contrast, other commands like REMOVE do not exist in standard SQL syntax for performing deletions. The DROP command is used to remove entire tables or databases, not individual records. TRUNCATE, while it does remove all records from a table, does so without the option to filter specific rows and also resets any identity column values; thus, its usage differs significantly from that of the DELETE command. The DELETE command, therefore, provides the necessary granularity for managing data within tables.

The command used to delete existing records from a table in SQL is DELETE. This command enables you to specify criteria for which records to remove, allowing for targeted deletions based on conditions. For example, you can use a WHERE clause to delete specific rows that meet certain conditions, ensuring that you do not unintentionally remove all records from the table.

In contrast, other commands like REMOVE do not exist in standard SQL syntax for performing deletions. The DROP command is used to remove entire tables or databases, not individual records. TRUNCATE, while it does remove all records from a table, does so without the option to filter specific rows and also resets any identity column values; thus, its usage differs significantly from that of the DELETE command. The DELETE command, therefore, provides the necessary granularity for managing data within tables.