faster alter table add column

Create a new table (using the structure of the current table) with the new column(s) included.

execute a

INSERT INTO new_table SELECT (column1,..columnN) FROM current_table;

rename the current table

rename the new table using the name of the current table.

1.

CREATE TABLE new_table LIKE table;

2.

INSERT INTO new_table SELECT * FROM table;

3&4.

RENAME TABLE table = old_table, table = new_table;

mysql> ALTER TABLE test.load_data DISABLE KEYS;
-- load data
mysql> ALTER TABLE test.load_data ENABLE KEYS;

dropped all indexes -- then added the field  and recreate indexes

REF:

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/5677932/optimize-mysql-for-faster-alter-table-add-column

http://dba.stackexchange.com/questions/9746/mysql-fastest-way-to-alter-table-for-innodb

http://dba.stackexchange.com/questions/134269/fastest-way-to-add-new-column-in-mysql