title: Alter column in SQL Server
body: <p>What is correct syntax for an <code>ALTER</code> statement to add a default value to an existing column?</p>
  
  <p>I can add new column with no errors:</p>
  
  <pre><code>ALTER TABLE tb_TableName ADD Record_Status varchar(20)
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>But If I try to alter existing column to apply default value by using the following statement:</p>
  
  <pre><code>ALTER TABLE tb_TableName 
  ALTER COLUMN Record_Status VARCHAR(20) NOT NULL DEFAULT ''
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>or</p>
  
  <pre><code>ALTER TABLE tb_TableName 
  ALTER Record_Status VARCHAR(20) NOT NULL DEFAULT ''
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I have get an error: </p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>Incorrect syntax near 'Record_Status'.</p>
  </blockquote>