Delete vs Drop in Database: Key Differences

Delete and drop are both database operation statements, but their purposes are different.

1. Delete: Used to remove records from the database, specifically deleting one or multiple rows of data from a table while maintaining the structure and other data. The delete operation can be performed based on certain conditions, such as specifying to delete records that meet specific criteria.
2. Drop: Used to delete an entire table, including its structure and all of its data. The Drop operation is irreversible, once the Drop command is executed, the data and structure of the table cannot be recovered. Drop is typically used to empty an entire table or remove a table that is no longer needed.