Commands such as CREATE, ALTER, and DROP fall under which category?

Commands such as CREATE, ALTER, and DROP are categorized under Data Definition because they are used to define or modify the structure of a database. Data Definition Language (DDL) includes commands that determine how the data is stored, organized, and controlled.

For instance, the CREATE command is used to make new database objects such as tables, views, or indexes. ALTER allows for modifications to existing database structures, such as adding or removing columns in a table. DROP is used to delete database objects entirely. These operations are crucial for establishing the schema of a database and ensuring it meets the desired specifications.

In contrast, Data Manipulation refers to commands that manage the data within those structures, such as inserting, updating, or deleting records. Data Control deals with permissions and access control while Data Retrieval pertains to querying data from the database. Each of these categories serves a distinct purpose in database management, but the creation and structural modifications of database objects—through those specific commands—squarely belong in the Data Definition category.