Information Modeling and Relational Databases, 2nd Edition

13.2. SQL: Defining Tables

Creating Tables

The population of a base tableresides in the database (unlike result tables and views, which we’ll look at shortly). Base tables must be created before they are populated. In SQL-92 onward, base tables (and other aspects of the database) are defined within the scope of a database schemathat is created using a create schema statement. The schema may be deleted using a drop schema statement. Commercial SQLs often provide a different syntax for creating a new database (e.g., create database).

In the SQL standard, tables are created using a create table statement. In addition to this, most DBMSs provide a graphical interface for users to create tables by entering text and selecting options. The main part ...