Why Can't I Rename a SQL Server 2008 Column Using ALTER TABLE, and What's the Alternative?

SQL Server 2008: Why ALTER TABLE Fails to Rename Columns, and the Correct Approach

A common challenge in SQL Server 2008 involves renaming table columns. The standard ALTER TABLE syntax, often attempted as ALTER TABLE table_name RENAME COLUMN old_name TO new_name;, doesn't function as expected.

The Solution: sp_rename Stored Procedure

The recommended method for renaming columns in SQL Server 2008 is to use the sp_rename stored procedure. This system stored procedure provides a reliable way to change column names.

sp_rename Syntax

The correct syntax is:

EXEC sp_rename 'TableName.OldColumnName', 'NewColumnName', 'COLUMN';

Example

To effectively rename a column using this procedure, apply the following command:

EXEC sp_rename 'table_name.old_name', 'new_name', 'COLUMN';

Important Note: Always enclose the table and column names within single quotes. Failure to do so will result in errors.

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