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How to Add a Column to a Database Table in phpMyAdmin

Want to add a column to your phpMyAdmin database table? It's simpler than you would suppose. This tutorial gives you a straightforward, step-by-step explanation of the process, starting with opening up your database and ending with specifying the new attribute of the new column. As a novice or veteran developer, you will have no problem enhancing your database's structure.

  • Accessing phpMyAdmin in cPanel
  • Selecting the Database and Table
  • Adding a New Column to the Table
  • Defining Column Attributes
  • Saving Changes
  • Summary

Accessing phpMyAdmin in cPanel​

  1. Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager.

  2. Click Hosting in the left-hand menu.

  3. In the hosting details page, click the CPANEL button. Bluehost Account Manager - Hosting Tab Details cPanel

  4. Your cPanel will open in a new tab. Bluehost Account Manager - Hosting Tab - Quick Links - cPanel button - cPanel Dashboard

  5. In the Database section, select phpMyAdmin.
    cpanel-databases-newphpmyadmin

Selecting the Database and Table​

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  1. Within phpMyAdmin, select the database you want to work with from the list in the left column.
  2. If the table doesn’t exist yet, add a new table first. To learn how to add a table, refer to How to add tables to a database in phpMyAdmin.
  3. Click on the table to view its current list of columns.

Adding a New Column to the Table​

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  1. In the tabs above the columns list, click on Structure.
  2. Scroll down to the section that says "Add 1 column(s)" and click the Go button.

Defining Column Attributes​

When creating a new column, define the following attributes:

  • Column Name : Enter the name of your new column.
  • Data Type : Select the type of data the column will hold. Common types include:
  • INT : For whole numbers.
  • CHAR : Fixed-length text up to a certain length.
  • VARCHAR : Variable-length text.
  • TEXT : For large amounts of text.
  • DATE : For storing dates only.
  • DATETIME : For storing dates and times. (Refer to the MySQL Data Types guide for more options.)
  • Length/Values : Specify the length or allowed values if required (e.g., CHAR(50)).

Saving Changes​

  1. Click Save to add the column.
  2. You should see a success message confirming that the table was altered successfully, and your new column will now appear in the column list.

Summary​

And that's it! You now know how to add a new column to your database table using phpMyAdmin. Manipulate and alter your database structure on a whim. Now you're fully qualified to tackle any data growth requests that life throws your way.