Best method to check if a column exists, and if not, add it

[lordvader]

I want to add a column to an existing table, but first I have to check if the column exists. I can think of several ways to check:

CASE WHEN EXISTS

SHOW COLUMNS

mysql_list_fields

mysql_num_fields

mysql_field_name

 

But I was wondering in your experience, what is the simplest most efficient way to check if a column exists, if not, then add it to the table?

thanks

[cooldude832]

dynamic column adding isn't the strongest idea in databasing whats your motive behind it?

[fenway]

You can use DESCRIBE TABLE, SHOW COLUMNS, or the I_S tables to query the schema, but there's no ADD IF EXISTS.. .you'll need to do it in 2 steps.

 

But you'd better not be making dynamic column names...