I had a great mentor who taught me all the safety mechanisms.
Start your .sql file with "use xxxxx" (non-existent database name; will prevent execution if you fat-finger F5.)
Always write your deletes as a SELECT first:
SELECT *
-- delete
FROM blah
WHERE blah = 1
Never uncomment the "delete" line; just select the portion of the query after the comment with your mouse and F5 it.
And of course: always design your database with support for soft-deletes, because sooner or later you'll need to add them in.
Start your .sql file with "use xxxxx" (non-existent database name; will prevent execution if you fat-finger F5.) Always write your deletes as a SELECT first:
SELECT *
-- delete
FROM blah
WHERE blah = 1
Never uncomment the "delete" line; just select the portion of the query after the comment with your mouse and F5 it.
And of course: always design your database with support for soft-deletes, because sooner or later you'll need to add them in.