Database Access

PHP MySQL Delete Data

Deleting MySQL Data

PHP MySQL DELETE queries remove database records.

Introduction to Deleting Data with PHP and MySQL

Deleting data from a MySQL database using PHP involves executing DELETE SQL statements. This operation is essential for removing obsolete or incorrect records from your database tables. In this tutorial, you will learn how to construct and execute DELETE queries using PHP.

Connecting to the MySQL Database

Before you can delete any records, you need to establish a connection to the MySQL database. You can achieve this using the mysqli_connect() function in PHP. Below is an example of how to connect to a database:

Basic DELETE Query Syntax

The basic syntax for a DELETE query is as follows:

DELETE FROM table_name WHERE condition;

It is crucial to include a WHERE clause to specify which records should be deleted, otherwise, all records in the table will be removed.

Executing a DELETE Query in PHP

Once the connection is established, you can execute a DELETE query using the mysqli_query() function. Here's an example of how to delete a specific record:

Deleting Multiple Records

To delete multiple records, you can specify a condition that matches more than one row. For example, to delete all users from a specific city:

Using Prepared Statements for Secure Deletion

To prevent SQL injection, it is recommended to use prepared statements when executing DELETE queries. Here’s how you can use prepared statements to securely delete a record:

Conclusion

Deleting data from a MySQL database using PHP is a straightforward process once you understand the basic principles of SQL DELETE queries. Always ensure to use WHERE clauses and consider prepared statements for enhanced security. In the next tutorial, you will learn how to update existing records in a MySQL database.