SQL triggers are special stored procedures that automatically execute in response to specific events in a database. They are useful for enforcing business rules, maintaining data integrity, and automating tasks.
SQL triggers are stored procedures that automatically execute when a specific event occurs in a database, such as an INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE operation on a table. They are a powerful tool for maintaining data integrity and automating tasks. Think of them as automated responses to database actions. Triggers can be used to enforce business rules, validate data, or perform actions like logging changes or updating related tables. For example, a trigger could automatically update a related table when a record is inserted into another table. This ensures data consistency and reduces the need for manual intervention. Triggers are often used for tasks that need to be performed immediately after a specific database action, such as logging changes or updating related data. They are crucial for maintaining data integrity and automating tasks that would otherwise require manual intervention.
Triggers are important because they automate tasks, enforce business rules, and maintain data integrity. They reduce the need for manual intervention, which can lead to errors and inconsistencies. They also improve the efficiency of database operations by performing actions automatically.
SQL triggers fire automatically on INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE events, letting you validate incoming data, prevent invalid changes, and keep related tables in sync the moment a change happens. Because the logic lives in the database rather than the application layer, you eliminate the risk of developers forgetting to apply the same checks everywhere, which dramatically improves data integrity and consistency.
A trigger can inspect the data being modified and either transform it, reject it, or propagate related changes. For example, when a new order row is inserted, an AFTER INSERT trigger could automatically update inventory levels and write an audit log. This guarantees the rule ("inventory must always reflect current sales") is enforced 100 % of the time, without relying on application code or human oversight.
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