[mysql] Rename a column in MySQL

Use the following query:

ALTER TABLE tableName CHANGE oldcolname newcolname datatype(length);

The RENAME function is used in Oracle databases.

ALTER TABLE tableName RENAME COLUMN oldcolname TO newcolname datatype(length);

@lad2025 mentions it below, but I thought it'd be nice to add what he said. Thank you @lad2025!

You can use the RENAME COLUMN in MySQL 8.0 to rename any column you need renamed.

ALTER TABLE table_name RENAME COLUMN old_col_name TO new_col_name;

ALTER TABLE Syntax: RENAME COLUMN:

  • Can change a column name but not its definition.
  • More convenient than CHANGE to rename a column without changing its definition.