Insert Query In SQL

How do you add new data to a table in SQL?

The INSERT statement is fundamental in SQL for adding new rows of data into a table. It's a crucial part of any database application that needs to manage and update information.

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Description

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Example H3

The INSERT statement is used to add new rows to a table in a relational database. It's a core part of the Data Manipulation Language (DML) and allows you to populate your database with fresh data. Understanding how to use INSERT effectively is essential for any SQL developer. This statement specifies the table to insert into and the values for the columns. It's important to ensure the data types match the columns' definitions. For example, you can't insert a string into a numeric column without proper conversion. The INSERT statement can be used in various ways, from inserting a single row to inserting multiple rows at once, depending on your needs. A common use case is adding new customer records to a customer table, or adding product details to a product inventory table.

Why Insert Query In SQL is important

The INSERT statement is crucial for populating databases with data. Without it, you wouldn't be able to add new records, making your database useless. It's a fundamental building block for any application that interacts with a database.

Insert Query In SQL Example Usage


-- Inserting a new customer into the Customers table
INSERT INTO Customers (CustomerID, FirstName, LastName, Email)
VALUES (101, 'John', 'Doe', 'john.doe@example.com');

-- Inserting multiple customers at once using a VALUES clause
INSERT INTO Customers (CustomerID, FirstName, LastName, Email)
VALUES
(102, 'Jane', 'Smith', 'jane.smith@example.com'),
(103, 'Peter', 'Jones', 'peter.jones@example.com');

-- Inserting data from another table (using SELECT)
INSERT INTO Orders (OrderID, CustomerID, OrderDate)
SELECT 201, 101, CURRENT_DATE
FROM Customers
WHERE CustomerID = 101;

Insert Query In SQL Syntax

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to specify the columns when inserting values (resulting in errors).
Incorrect data types in the VALUES clause (e.g., inserting a string into a numeric column).
Using incorrect syntax for inserting multiple rows.
Not understanding the implications of inserting data from another table (e.g., potential data integrity issues).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the essential parts of an SQL INSERT statement?

A standard INSERT requires three things: the target table name, an ordered list of columns (optional but recommended for clarity), and the corresponding VALUES clause that supplies the data. Every value must match its column’s data type—trying to drop a string into a numeric column will fail unless you cast or convert it first.

Can I insert multiple rows with one INSERT, and why would I do that?

Absolutely. By separating value groups with commas—e.g., INSERT INTO customers (name, email) VALUES ('Alice','a@example.com'), ('Bob','b@example.com');—you persist several rows in a single round-trip to the database. This boosts performance, keeps your SQL concise, and is perfect for bulk operations like loading new product records into an inventory table.

How does Galaxy’s AI copilot make writing INSERT statements safer and faster?

Galaxy’s context-aware AI autocompletes column names, checks data-type compatibility, and even suggests parameterized placeholders to prevent SQL injection. As you type, it surfaces table metadata so you can confirm each value aligns with the column definition—helping you craft correct, repeatable INSERTs without flipping between docs or risking runtime errors.