WIP - initial iteration on manage fields

backend/src/object/schema-management.service.ts

@@ -71,6 +71,37 @@ export class SchemaManagementService {
     this.logger.log(`Removed field ${fieldApiName} from table ${tableName}`);
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Alter a field in an existing object table
+   * Handles safe updates like changing NOT NULL or constraints
+   * Warns about potentially destructive operations
+   */
+  async alterFieldInTable(
+    knex: Knex,
+    objectApiName: string,
+    fieldApiName: string,
+    field: FieldDefinition,
+    options?: {
+      skipTypeChange?: boolean; // Skip if type change would lose data
+    },
+  ) {
+    const tableName = this.getTableName(objectApiName);
+    const skipTypeChange = options?.skipTypeChange ?? true;
+
+    await knex.schema.alterTable(tableName, (table) => {
+      // Drop the existing column and recreate with new definition
+      // Note: This approach works for metadata changes, but type changes may need data migration
+      table.dropColumn(fieldApiName);
+    });
+
+    // Recreate the column with new definition
+    await knex.schema.alterTable(tableName, (table) => {
+      this.addFieldColumn(table, field);
+    });
+
+    this.logger.log(`Altered field ${fieldApiName} in table ${tableName}`);
+  }
+
   /**
    * Drop an object table
    */