How Do I Rename a Column in an SQLite Database Without Using ALTER TABLE?

Renaming SQLite Database Columns: A Workaround

SQLite doesn't directly support ALTER TABLE for column renaming. This guide details the multi-step process to achieve this.

Procedure:

1. Create a Temporary Table: Construct a new table with the desired column name(s). For example:

   <code class="language-sql">CREATE TABLE temp_table (
       col_a INTEGER,
       new_col_b INTEGER
   );</code>

2. Copy Data: Transfer data from the original table to the temporary table. Note the updated column name in the INSERT statement:

   <code class="language-sql">INSERT INTO temp_table (col_a, new_col_b)
   SELECT col_a, colb
   FROM original_table;</code>

3. Delete Original Table: Remove the original table:

   <code class="language-sql">DROP TABLE original_table;</code>

4. Rename Temporary Table: Rename the temporary table to match the original table's name:

   <code class="language-sql">ALTER TABLE temp_table RENAME TO original_table;</code>

Important Notes:

• Use double quotes around column names for better compatibility, especially if they contain spaces or special characters.
• Consider using transactions (BEGIN TRANSACTION, COMMIT, ROLLBACK) to ensure data integrity. This guarantees that either all steps succeed or none do.
• After renaming, any indexes or triggers associated with the original table will need to be recreated.
• Follow these steps precisely to avoid data loss or database corruption. Incorrect order can lead to errors.

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