SQL INSERT INTO Keyword

The INSERT INTO statement in SQL is used to add new rows of data into a table. It's a fundamental command for populating and updating your database.

INSERT INTO: Definition and Usage

You can specify which columns to insert data into, and provide the corresponding values. If you don't specify all columns, the database will use default values (if defined) for the omitted columns or might generate values automatically (e.g., for auto-incrementing primary keys).

Syntax

INSERT INTO table_name (column1, column2, column3, ...)
VALUES (value1, value2, value3, ...);
      

Examples

Inserting a New Row with All Columns

This example adds a new customer record, specifying values for all columns. (This assumes a 'Customers' table with columns: CustomerName, ContactName, Address, City, PostalCode, Country).

INSERT INTO Customers (CustomerName, ContactName, Address, City, PostalCode, Country)
VALUES ('Cardinal', 'Tom B. Erichsen', 'Skagen 21', 'Stavanger', '4006', 'Norway');
      

(A new row is inserted into the Customers table)
      

Inserting a New Row with Some Columns Omitted

This inserts a new customer record, but only provides values for 'CustomerName', 'City', and 'Country'. The database will likely handle missing values using defaults or auto-incrementing IDs.

INSERT INTO Customers (CustomerName, City, Country)
VALUES ('Cardinal', 'Stavanger', 'Norway');
      

(A new row is inserted into the Customers table)