How to Rename a Table in Oracle SQL?

Renaming a table in Oracle SQL can be done in different ways depending on the context and the tools we are using. In this article, we will explore the main methods for renaming a table by including the basic RENAME command and alternative approaches like using SQL Developer or renaming a table with dependencies.

How to Rename a Table in Oracle SQL?

Let’s discuss some methods to understand how to rename a table in Oracle SQL as described below:

Method 1: Using the RENAME Statement (Basic Method)

The most common and straightforward method to rename a table in Oracle SQL is by using the RENAME command. This method is quick and simple which requiring minimal syntax.

Syntax:

RENAME old_table_name TO new_table_name;

Explanation:

• old_table_name: The current name of the table we want to rename.
• new_table_name: The new name we wish to assign to the table.

Example:

Let's say we have a table named employees_old and we want to rename it to employees. Here's the SQL command:

Query:

RENAME employees_old TO employees;

Explanation: After executing this command, the table employees_old will be renamed to employees. This method is best suited when there are no dependencies on the table such as views, foreign key constraints or triggers.

Method 2: Renaming Tables Using SQL Developer (Graphical Method)

Oracle SQL Developer is a widely used graphical user interface (GUI) tool for efficiently managing Oracle databases. It provides an easy and visual way to rename tables without manually typing SQL commands.

Steps to Rename a Table in SQL Developer:

Open SQL Developer and connect to the Oracle database.

1. Navigate to the Table: In the Connections panel, expand our schema, and then click on the Tables node to see the list of tables.
2. Right-click the Table: Find the table we want to rename, right-click on i, and select the Rename option.
3. Enter New Name: A dialog box will appear where we can type the new name for the table. Enter the desired name and click OK.

SQL Developer will automatically generate the appropriate SQL statement to rename the table. This method is user-friendly especially for those who prefer not to work directly with SQL commands.

Conclusion

Overall, renaming a table in Oracle SQL is relatively simple but depending on the complexity of your database schema there are different methods you can use. The basic RENAME command is quick and efficient for standalone tables. For those who prefer a graphical interface the oracle SQL developer provides an easy way to rename tables.

By understanding these methods, you can choose the best approach based on your requirements and level of experience.