Features
SQL RENAME COLUMN changes an existing table column’s name with ALTER TABLE while preserving data and constraints.
SQL RENAME COLUMN changes a table’s column name via ALTER TABLE, keeping data intact while updating dependent objects like indexes, constraints, and views.
SQL RENAME COLUMN is the act of altering a table definition so that an existing column acquires a new identifier. The data, type, and constraints stay unchanged; only the name shifts. Most relational engines implement the feature through an ALTER TABLE statement.
ANSI SQL lacks a unified RENAME COLUMN clause, so each vendor adds a proprietary extension. Always confirm dialect-specific syntax before running migrations to avoid runtime errors.
ALTER TABLE table_name RENAME COLUMN old_name TO new_name;
PostgreSQL supports a direct clause that updates catalogs instantly and preserves indexes and constraints.ALTER TABLE orders RENAME COLUMN order_date TO purchased_at;
MySQL uses the CHANGE keyword and requires the full column definition, or the engine will drop existing attributes.ALTER TABLE orders CHANGE order_date purchased_at DATE NOT NULL;
SQL Server provides the sp_rename system stored procedure. Pass the table-qualified column name, new name, and object type.EXEC sp_rename 'orders.order_date', 'purchased_at', 'COLUMN';
SQLite 3.25+ supports ALTER TABLE ... RENAME COLUMN. Earlier versions require recreating the table and copying data, so upgrade before large-scale refactors.
Use maintenance windows, wrap the change in a transaction, and update application code, views, and downstream jobs simultaneously. Introduce temporary compatibility views when zero downtime is required.
Galaxy’s context-aware AI copilot scans your workspace, rewrites queries referencing the old name, and flags affected dashboards. One-click sharing lets teams review the migration script, ensuring smooth, coordinated deployments.
Top pitfalls include breaking dependent objects, omitting column attributes in MySQL CHANGE, and renaming primary keys without updating foreign keys. Validate with tests and dependency graphs to stay safe.
Renaming columns powers schema evolution as business terms change. Clean, descriptive names improve query readability and reduce onboarding time for new engineers. A systematic rename process also prevents technical debt from legacy column names that no longer reflect reality.
Yes. ALTER TABLE only changes metadata; the underlying data blocks stay intact.
In most engines, it is near-instant because only catalog entries change. Locking time, however, can block writes briefly.
Galaxy’s AI copilot detects the rename and proposes patches to every saved query, dashboard, or collection that references the old column.
Create a new column, copy data, drop the old column, and then rename constraints and indexes as needed.
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