How to change a table name using an SQL query?

Renaming a table in SQL is a common task when you want to update your database schema without losing data. Most SQL databases provide a straightforward way to change a table name using a specific query.

Basic Syntax to Rename a Table:

The most widely supported command is:

  ALTER TABLE old_table_name RENAME TO new_table_name;

• This works in many SQL databases such as PostgreSQL, SQLite, and Oracle.
  
• It changes the table name while keeping all the data, indexes, and constraints intact.
  

Examples:

  ALTER TABLE employees RENAME TO staff;

This renames the employees table to staff.

Database-specific Notes:

MySQL:

 MySQL uses a different syntax:

  RENAME TABLE old_table_name TO new_table_name;

 Or you can use ALTER TABLE in newer versions:

  ALTER TABLE old_table_name RENAME new_table_name;

SQL Server:

 SQL Server doesn’t have a simple rename command. Instead, you use:

  EXEC sp_rename 'old_table_name', 'new_table_name';

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Make sure no other database objects (like foreign keys or views) depend on the old table name, or you may need to update them manually.
  
• Renaming a table doesn’t affect the data inside it.
  
• Always back up your database before making structural changes.
  

Summary:

Use ALTER TABLE ... RENAME TO ... in most SQL databases.

• Use RENAME TABLE in MySQL.
  
• Use sp_rename in SQL Server.
  
• Check dependencies to avoid breaking your schema.
  

Renaming tables can be done safely and efficiently with these commands depending on the SQL database you use!