Difference between Schema::create() and Schema::table().

In Laravel, Schema::create() and Schema::table() are both used for database migrations, but they serve different purposes. Let’s break it down carefully:

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1. Schema::create()

• Purpose: To create a new table in the database.
• Usage: Used when the table does not exist yet.
• Syntax Example:

use Illuminate\Database\Schema\Blueprint;
use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Schema;

Schema::create('users', function (Blueprint $table) {
    $table->id();
    $table->string('name');
    $table->string('email')->unique();
    $table->timestamps();
});

• What it does:
  • Creates a table called users
  • Adds the specified columns
  • Sets up primary keys, unique constraints, etc.

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2. Schema::table()

• Purpose: To modify an existing table.
• Usage: Used for adding, dropping, or altering columns or indexes in an existing table.
• Syntax Example:

Schema::table('users', function (Blueprint $table) {
    $table->string('phone')->nullable();  // Add new column
    $table->dropColumn('email');          // Remove column
});

• What it does:
  • Changes the structure of an existing table
  • You cannot use it to create a new table
  • Common modifications: add/drop columns, rename columns, add/drop indexes

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✅ Key Differences

Feature	Schema::create()	Schema::table()
Function	Creates a new table	Modifies an existing table
Table existence	Table should not exist	Table must exist
Common use	Initial migrations	Updating table structure (add/drop/rename columns)
Example	Schema::create('users', ...)	Schema::table('users', ...)

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💡 Tip:

• Use Schema::create() in the initial migration for a table.
• Use Schema::table() for future migrations that change the table structure.