How to rearrange MySQL columns?

Question

I need to move the position of existing columns (for better visibility).

How can this be done without affecting the data?

Answer 1

Modify also works. Have a look:

ALTER TABLE foo MODIFY bar bartype AFTER baz; 

Answer 2

The only way I know is to change the column. You would first extract your column definition using SHOW CREATE TABLE and issue an ALTER TABLE:

ALTER TABLE foo CHANGE COLUMN bar bar COLUMN_DEFINITION_HERE FIRST; 

Or if you want it after a certain other column:

... AFTER OTHER_COLUMN;