The DELETE statement in SQL is a fundamental command for removing data from a table. It's a powerful tool for maintaining data integrity and consistency within a database. Unlike truncating a table, which removes all rows and cannot be easily undone, DELETE allows for selective removal of rows based on specific criteria. This selective approach is vital for managing data in real-world applications. For instance, in an e-commerce database, you might want to delete customer records that have been marked as inactive or delete orders that are past a certain date. The DELETE statement provides the flexibility to achieve this. A crucial aspect of the DELETE statement is the WHERE clause. Without it, the statement would delete all rows from the table, which is usually not the desired outcome. Using the WHERE clause, you can filter the rows to be deleted, ensuring that only the specific records you intend to remove are affected. This targeted approach is essential for maintaining data accuracy and preventing unintended data loss.
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