DELETE removes records from a table. Use with caution and always include a WHERE clause.

Basic DELETE Syntax

DELETE FROM table_name WHERE condition;

Delete Specific Rows

DELETE FROM customers WHERE id = 123;

Delete with Multiple Conditions

DELETE FROM orders

WHERE status = 'cancelled' AND order_date < '2025-01-01';

Delete with Subquery

DELETE FROM order_items

WHERE order_id IN (SELECT id FROM orders WHERE status = 'cancelled');

Delete All Rows (Use Carefully!)

DELETE FROM temp_table;

-- Or use TRUNCATE for faster deletion

TRUNCATE TABLE temp_table;

Safe DELETE Practice

-- Always SELECT first to verify

SELECT * FROM orders WHERE status = 'cancelled';

-- Then DELETE

DELETE FROM orders WHERE status = 'cancelled';

Generate DELETE Queries

AI2sql helps you write safe DELETE statements with proper conditions.