Modifying existing tables

Is this the only way to add attributes to an existing table, and add
unique and a default(for example) to existing attributes?

Just wondered if there are alternatives. I didn't really see this in
the docs or mailing lists.

Thanks for any input.
Steve

original table:
CREATE TABLE table (
attrib1 int,
attrib2 int,
);

table edit:
CREATE TABLE newtable (
attrib1 int UNIQUE,
attrib2 int DEFAULT 1,
attrib3 int
);

INSERT INTO newtable (attrib1, attrib2)
SELECT attrib1, attrib2 FROM table;

DROP TABLE table;
ALTER TABLE newtable RENAME TO table;