> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://xoops.gitbook.io/xmf-cookbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://xoops.gitbook.io/xmf-cookbook/reference/database/tables/working-with-columns.md).

# Working with Columns

## addColumn(*$table*, *$column*, *$attributes*)

Add to the work queue instruction needed to add a column, named *$column*, with specified *$attributes* to *$table*.

The attributes as specified as a string, i.e. "VARCHAR(32) NOT NULL DEFAULT ''".

Returns *true* on success, or *false* on error. Additional information may be available using getLastError() and getLastErrNo().

## alterColumn(*$table*, *$column*, *$attributes*, *$newName*)

Add to the work queue instruction needed to alter an existing column, named *$column*, on *$table* with specified *$attributes*. If *$newName* is supplied, the column will be renamed as specified in *$newName*.

The attributes as specified as a string, i.e. "VARCHAR(32) NOT NULL DEFAULT ''".

Returns *true* on success, or *false* on error. Additional information may be available using getLastError() and getLastErrNo().

## getColumnAttributes(*$table*, *$column*)

Get the current attributes an existing column, named *$column*, on *$table*.

Returns an attribute string on success, or *false* on error. Additional information may be available using getLastError() and getLastErrNo().

## dropColumn(*$table*, *$column*)

Add to the work queue instruction needed to drop an existing column, named *$column*, on *$table*.

Returns *true* on success, or *false* on error. Additional information may be available using getLastError() and getLastErrNo().