Answer
DELETE removes rows, whereas DROP removes the table structure entirely.
Quick Answer
DELETE removes specific rows but keeps the table structure, can use WHERE, is transactional (rollback possible), fires triggers, logged in binlog. DROP TABLE removes the entire table (structure, data, indexes, triggers) immediately and permanently. DROP is DDL (auto-committed). You can't WHERE on a DROP - it deletes everything. Use DELETE for data removal, DROP to remove the table itself.
S
SugharaIQ Editorial Team
Verified Answer
This answer has been peer-reviewed by industry experts holding senior engineering roles to ensure technical accuracy and relevance for modern interview standards.
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Source: SugharaIQ