SQL rename columns

Q: I have imported successfully a large dataset to GRASS. After the import, the attribute columns are named like this: dbl_1 dbl_2...... I would like to change these names to something more friendly. I've tried some dbf editors but they allow only to change values but not the database structure.

A: You can change column names with Openoffice.org (Version 2). But take care to use 'oobase' (or: File -> New -> Database) to avoid problems with the number of rows. So, use 'oobase' to connect to your dbf file using the dbase driver (in the launch dialog chose "connect to existing database"). Then you don't have any problems with row number limits.

Notes:

• In PostgreSQL there is an ALTER TABLE/RENAME COLUMN command.
• For SQLite, use the SQLiteBrowser program or the Firefox SQLite Manager plugin.

Alternative: in GRASS >=6.3 there is drop column support: so you can add a new column, update it to the one to be renamed, drop the old column.

• v.db.renamecol
• v.db.dropcol
• v.db.addcol

See also

• Openoffice.org with SQL Databases