SQL Insert Multiple Rows

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How can I insert multiple rows into a table in SQL?

Inserting multiple rows into a table in SQL can be done using various methods, including using multiple INSERT statements or a single INSERT statement with a VALUES clause containing multiple rows. This approach is crucial for populating tables with large datasets efficiently.

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Description

Inserting multiple rows into a table in SQL is a common task. There are several ways to achieve this, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. One straightforward method is to use multiple INSERT statements, one for each row. While simple, this approach can become cumbersome for large datasets. A more efficient method is to use a single INSERT statement with a VALUES clause containing multiple rows. This approach is generally preferred for its conciseness and efficiency. This method is particularly useful when you have a set of data already prepared in a format suitable for insertion. Understanding these methods allows you to choose the most appropriate technique for your specific needs and data volume. For example, if you're loading data from a file, using a single INSERT statement with a VALUES clause containing multiple rows is often the best choice. If you're inserting data based on a complex calculation or logic, using multiple INSERT statements might be more manageable.

Why SQL Insert Multiple Rows is important

Efficiently inserting multiple rows is crucial for populating databases with data from various sources. This is essential for tasks like loading data from files, importing data from other systems, or creating initial datasets for testing and development. The ability to insert multiple rows in SQL is fundamental to database management and data manipulation.

SQL Insert Multiple Rows Example Usage


CREATE TABLE Orders (
    OrderID INT PRIMARY KEY,
    CustomerID INT,
    ProductID INT,
    OrderDate DATE,
    Quantity INT,
    Price DECIMAL(10, 2)
);

INSERT INTO Orders (OrderID, CustomerID, ProductID, OrderDate, Quantity, Price)
VALUES
    (1, 101, 101, '2023-10-26', 2, 10.00),
    (2, 102, 102, '2023-10-27', 5, 20.00),
    (3, 101, 101, '2023-10-28', 1, 10.00),
    (4, 103, 103, '2023-10-29', 3, 30.00);

-- Calculate total quantity of each product
SELECT ProductID, SUM(Quantity) AS TotalQuantity
FROM Orders
GROUP BY ProductID
ORDER BY TotalQuantity DESC;

Common Mistakes

Want to learn about other SQL terms?

With Cte In SQL

Common Table Expressions (CTEs) are temporary, named result sets defined within a single SQL statement. They enhance query readability and reusability by breaking down complex queries into smaller, manageable parts.

Where Vs Having SQL

WHERE and HAVING are both used for filtering data in SQL, but they operate on different levels. WHERE filters rows before any aggregation, while HAVING filters groups after aggregation.

Windows Functions In SQL

Window functions in SQL perform calculations over a set of rows related to the current row, unlike aggregate functions which summarize data across all rows. They are powerful tools for analyzing data within a specific context.

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