Which is NOT a valid SQL command: SELECT, REMOVE, UPDATE, INSERT?
Interviewer Expectations for this Question
01
Core Competency
Assesses fundamental understanding of SQL & Databases conventions, runtime behavior, and memory/performance considerations.
02
Evaluation Criteria
Hiring managers look for precision, avoidance of ambiguous jargon, and ability to explain trade-offs under real production conditions.
Comprehensive Model Answer
Verified Solution
REMOVE is not valid. To delete rows, use DELETE. DROP removes objects (tables, databases).
| Command | Purpose |
|---------|---------|
| SELECT | Read data |
| INSERT | Add new rows |
| UPDATE | Modify existing rows |
| DELETE | Remove rows |
| CREATE/ALTER/DROP | Manage schema objects |
Candidate Response Strategy & Interview Tips
- Start with a concise one-sentence summary: Deliver a direct, confident answer first before expanding into nuances.
- Demonstrate real-world trade-offs: Discuss where this approach excels and when you would avoid it in production systems.
- Discuss complexity & edge cases: Proactively explain time/space complexity or boundary conditions (null values, scale limits).
- Prepare for interviewer follow-ups: Technical hiring panels frequently probe deeper into concurrency, backward compatibility, or alternative libraries.