Schema evolution is one of the trickiest aspects of database management. For developers and DBAs, the dreaded ALTER TABLE command often conjures fears of downtime, locks, and performance bottlenecks. But MySQL offers a powerful word! The "ALGORITHM" modifier that determines how schema changes are executed. In this article, we’ll break down the three key algorithms "INPLACE", "INSTANT", and "COPY" to help you understand their trade-offs, performance implications, and even some unconventional ways to use them. Whether you’re optimizing for zero downtime or experimenting with stress testing, this guide will give you practical insights and real-world strategies. IMPORTANT: Check your MySQL version: In MySQL 8.0+, many table changes are instantaneous, and the command modifications presented here are only available in this and later versions. Understanding the ALGORITHM Modifier When you run an ALTER TABLE in MySQL, you can specify the algorithm, lik...