An update to a partitioning column for a partitioned table in a database can be performed by handling rows for which the update will not require moving to a different partition separately (e.g. “locally”) for each partition followed by re-inserting those rows that will require moving to a different partition and deleting them from the original partition. The re-inserted rows are directed to a correct partition by application of the partitioning criteria for the table. Methods, articles, and systems are described.