**Final Answer:**
To change the label of a column in a table from old_label to new_label, the most common method involves utilizing the ALTER TABLE statement in SQL. This statement incorporates the RENAME COLUMN clause, enabling the alteration of the column's label without modifying the underlying data.
**Explanation:**
In SQL, the ALTER TABLE statement stands as a fundamental command for modifying database tables. When aiming to change the label of a column within a table, the RENAME COLUMN clause becomes pivotal. This clause allows for the adjustment of column labels without affecting the stored data.
Suppose you have a table named 'table_name' with a column labeled 'old_label' that requires a new designation, 'new_label.' Employing the ALTER TABLE statement with the RENAME COLUMN clause accomplishes this task:
ALTER TABLE table_name RENAME COLUMN old_label TO new_label;
This SQL command specifically targets the column's label alteration, ensuring a seamless transition without any impact on the existing data. It is an efficient method for managing table structures without the need for extensive modifications or recreating the entire table.
The ALTER TABLE statement serves as a robust tool for database administrators and developers, facilitating alterations to tables by adding, removing, or modifying columns, constraints, indexes, and more. The RENAME COLUMN clause, in this context, plays a crucial role in maintaining database integrity while enabling straightforward modifications to column labels.
By executing this SQL command accurately, database professionals ensure a smooth transition of column labels, enabling efficient data management and retrieval without compromising the database's structural integrity.