How can we change the column order in Hive table without deleting data.

[#1]

I need to change the column order in a Hive table, but I want to make sure I can do it without deleting any of the existing data.

[#2 · Accepted solution]

Hi,

This command moves column_name after column_name2:

alter table table_name change column column_name column_name column_name_type after column_name2;

You have to put the column_name twice (or you can change column name) and type of the column.

Regards

Andrzej

[#3]

In this solution, we are able to change position of a single column. Is it possible to change positions of 2 or more consecutive columns in the same way ?

[#4]

If you change column order, it will affect existing data, so the new position of the column will match different data, that's OK for you?

[#5]

That's ok

[#6]

@EricL 

You are right - thank you for pointing this out.