SQL VALUES Keyword

The VALUES keyword in SQL is used within the INSERT INTO statement to specify the data values for the new row being added to a table. It's a fundamental part of adding new information to your database.

VALUES: Definition and Usage

The VALUES clause comes after the column list in an INSERT INTO statement. You provide a list of values, and these values are inserted into the corresponding columns in the new row. The number of values you supply must match the number of columns specified (or all columns if you omit the column list).

Syntax

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

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

In the second syntax, you don't list the column names, but the values must be in the exact same order as the columns are defined in the table.

Examples

Inserting a New Row (Specifying Columns)

This example adds a new customer to the 'Customers' table, providing values for all columns. (This assumes a 'Customers' table exists with the specified columns and an auto-incrementing `CustomerID`.)

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

(A new row is added to the Customers table.  The CustomerID will be automatically generated.)
      

Inserting a New Row (Omitting Some Columns)

This example inserts a new customer, but only provides values for 'CustomerName', 'City', and 'Country'. Other columns will either use default values or be set to NULL. (This assumes a 'Customers' table exists with the specified columns and an auto-incrementing `CustomerID`.)

INSERT INTO Customers (CustomerName, City, Country)
VALUES ('Another Company', 'New City', 'New Country');
      

(A new row is added to the Customers table with NULL values for unspecified columns.  A new CustomerID is automatically generated.)