describe

The .describe command provides detailed information about a table, including its columns, data types, and constraints. This is useful for understanding the structure of your data, especially when working with unfamiliar tables or preparing queries.

Usage

.describe [table]

When to use

  • Use .describe to inspect table schemas before writing queries or performing data transformations.
  • Helpful for data exploration, debugging, and documentation.

Examples

Describe the table named users:

.describe users

Describe the current table (if context is set):

.describe

Troubleshooting

  • If you receive an error, ensure the table name is correct and you have access permissions.
  • Some data sources may require fully qualified table names (e.g., schema.table).

Demonstration