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.

   
    

4. Your cPanel will open in a new tab.

   
    

5. In the Database section, select phpMyAdmin.
   

Selecting the Database and Table

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

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.