MySQL DROP Database

Introduction

In this chapter, we will learn how to drop a database in MySQL. Dropping a database means permanently deleting it along with all its tables, data, and associated objects. Be very careful with this command, as it cannot be undone. In the next chapter, we will learn how to select a database in MySQL.

Dropping a Database

To drop a database, we use the DROP DATABASE statement. This command removes the database and all its contents.

Syntax

DROP DATABASE database_name;

• database_name: The name of the database you want to delete.

Example

DROP DATABASE mydatabase;

This example deletes the database named mydatabase.

Full Example

Let’s go through a full example where we create a database, verify its creation, and then drop it.

1. Create a Database:

CREATE DATABASE testdb;

2. Verify the Database Creation:

SHOW DATABASES;

Expected Output

+--------------------+
| Database           |
+--------------------+
| information_schema |
| mysql              |
| performance_schema |
| sys                |
| testdb             |
+--------------------+

3. Drop the Database:

DROP DATABASE testdb;

4. Verify the Database Deletion:

SHOW DATABASES;

Expected Output

+--------------------+
| Database           |
+--------------------+
| information_schema |
| mysql              |
| performance_schema |
| sys                |
+--------------------+

Important Considerations

• Irreversibility: Dropping a database is permanent. Make sure you really want to delete it before using this command.
• Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary privileges to drop a database. Typically, only the root user or a user with the DROP privilege can do this.
• Backup: Always back up your data before dropping a database to avoid accidental data loss.

Conclusion

Dropping a database in MySQL is a straightforward process, but it must be done with caution due to its irreversible nature. This chapter covered how to safely drop a database. In the next chapter, we will learn how to select a database to start working with its data.