Understanding the Difference between DELETE and TRUNCATE in PL/SQL

In PL/SQL, the main difference between DELETE and TRUNCATE lies in their functionality and performance impact on the database.

DELETE Statement:

The DELETE statement in PL/SQL is used to remove specific rows from a table based on a given condition. It allows for selective deletion of data and provides options to rollback changes if needed. However, using DELETE can be slower for large datasets compared to TRUNCATE.

TRUNCATE Statement:

On the other hand, the TRUNCATE statement in PL/SQL is used to remove all rows from a table, effectively resetting the table to its original state. TRUNCATE is much faster than DELETE as it does not generate undo logs and triggers, making it an efficient option for bulk deletion of data.

Conclusion:

In summary, the key difference between DELETE and TRUNCATE in PL/SQL lies in their approach to data removal and their performance impact on the database. While DELETE allows for selective deletion and undo options, TRUNCATE is faster for mass deletion operations.

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