Q.Which of the following is not a DDL command in SQL? (A) DROP (B) CREATE (C) UPDATE (D) ALTER

Concept: DDL (Data Definition Language) vs. DML (Data Manipulation Language) commands in SQL.

DDL commands define and modify the structure of database objects like tables, indexes, and schemas. They deal with the blueprint, not the data itself.

The core DDL commands are:

• CREATE – defines new database objects
• ALTER – modifies existing object structure
• DROP – removes database objects
• TRUNCATE – removes all rows but keeps structure …

Understanding DDL vs DML in SQL

SQL commands fall into distinct categories based on their purpose. Data Definition Language (DDL) commands deal with the structure and schema of database objects—tables, indexes, views, and so on. They define what exists in the database, not the data itself.

When you create a table, drop it, or alter its columns, you're changing the blueprint. These structural operations are DDL. In contrast, Data Manipulation Language (DML) commands work with the actual data inside those structures—inserting rows, updating values, deleting records, or querying them.

The distinction matters because DDL commands typically auto-commit (changes are permanent immediately) and affect metadata, while DML commands operate on data and can be rolled back within transactions.

Examining each command

1. DROP – Removes an entire database object (table, view, index) from the schema. This is pure structure manipulation: DROP TABLE employees; deletes the table definition itself, along with all its data. Clearly DDL.

2. CREATE – Defines a new database object. Whether CREATE TABLE, CREATE INDEX, or CREATE VIEW, you're building structure. The quintessential DDL command. …