Add Column To Existing Table

[dbutler]

I'm running an application based on PHP and MySQL (all hosted on same server). I've been requested to add some functionality to the application which would require me to add a column to an existing table. Here's my question: is there any danger in adding a new column to an existing table? The production table contains about 4000 records. I do know that the new column will not contain any data, just want to make sure I think all the way thru this before starting. Thanks!

[justsomeguy]

If you're worried you can back the table up first, otherwise just make sure the column either allows null values, or give it a default value.

[dbutler]

If you're worried you can back the table up first, otherwise just make sure the column either allows null values, or give it a default value.

Cool, thanks!