INSERT INTO SQL Statement

Last Updated: 22nd June, 2023

Overview

The Insert INTO articulation in SQL is utilized to include modern records to a table in a database. It permits clients to embed one or more rows of information into a table at a time.

The SQL INSERT INTO Statement

A software industry had an issue where they were struggling to keep track of their customers’ orders. Each order had multiple items, and they needed a database to store this data in an efficient manner. The company decided to use the SQL language to create a database. One of the commands they used was the INSERT INTO command. This command allowed them to quickly and easily add data into their database. So, for each customer order, they could add the items that were ordered and their associated information. Lets help them with the syntax and examples.

The SQL Insert INTO Statement is utilized to include unused records in a database table. It includes one or more records to the table and the values that ought to be embedded into each column of the table.

syntax of the statement is as follows:

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

Example

Table: Employees

INSERT INTO Employees (EmployeeId, FirstName, LastName, Department, Salary)
VALUES (1, 'John', 'Smith', 'Accounting', 40000);

This explanation includes a new record with an EmployeeId of 1, a FirstName of John, a LastName of Smith, an Department of Accounting, and a Salary of 40000. Once this statement is executed, a new row is included to the Employees table with these values.

Insert Data Only in Specified Columns

To insert data into only specified columns, use the following syntax:

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

Example

INSERT INTO Customers (CustomerID, CustomerName, City)
VALUES (1, 'John Smith', 'New York');

This code is inserting data into the Customers table with only the CustomerID, CustomerName, and City columns being populated. The values of 1, 'John Smith', and 'New York' are being inserted into the columns.

Best Practices to follow while using Insert into statement

1. Indicate columns explicitly: When inserting values into a table, it is continuously best to explicitly indicate the columns to guarantee that the information is embedded into the proper columns. This moreover makes the query more discernable and viable. 
2. Approve data before inserting: It is imperative to approve the information being embedded to ensure that it is of the proper information type and format. Invalid information can cause mistakes or indeed corrupt the database. 
3. Utilize parameterized queries: When inserting information, it is best to utilize parameterized queries rather than specifically inserting values into the query. This makes a difference to avoid SQL injection attacks and progresses the security of the database. 
4. Insert data in batches: On the off chance that inserting a huge number of rows, it is suggested to embed information in batches instead of embeddings each row separately. This could progress execution and diminish the chance of transaction logs filling up. 
5. Utilize transactions: When inserting information, it is imperative to utilize transactions to guarantee that the information is embedded atomically. This implies that either all the information is embedded effectively, or none of it is embedded at all. This makes a difference to preserve the consistency and integrity of the database. 
6. Avoid inserting duplicates: When embeddings information, it is important to check for duplicates before inserting to avoid duplicates within the database. This may be accomplished by employing an unique index or by performing a query to check for existing information some time recently inserted. 
7. Optimize indexes: When embeddings information into a table with indexes, it is imperative to optimize the indexes to move forward the performance of the insert operation. This will be accomplished by incidentally disabling or dropping the index, inserting the information, and after that modifying or recreating the index.

Conclusion

This command allowed them to add the items that were ordered, as well as their associated information. With this efficient system, the company was able to keep track of their customer orders in an organized manner. This ensured that their customers were satisfied with the services they received and that the orders were processed accurately and quickly. All in all, the software industry was able to successfully solve their problem with the help of the SQL language and the INSERT INTO command.

Key takeaways

1. INSERT INTO is a SQL statement used to add new records to an existing table in a database.
2. It is important to ensure that the columns in the INSERT statement match the columns in the target table.
3. Values can be inserted into the table either through a VALUES clause or a SELECT statement.
4. The INSERT statement can be used to add a single row or multiple rows of data to a table.
5. The INSERT statement can be used to insert data from another table into the target table.
6. The INSERT INTO statement can be used to add data to a table with a single query.

Quiz

1.What command is used to insert a record into a table? 

1. UPDATE
2. INSERT 
3. SELECT 
4. DELETE

Answer: b. INSERT

2. What is the keyword used in SQL to indicate the values to be inserted in a table? 

1. INSERT 
2. VALUES 
3. TABLE 
4. UPDATE

Answer: b. VALUES

3. What type of data is used to insert new records into a table?

1.  Integer 
2. Text
3. Boolean 
4. Date

Answer:b. Text

4.What SQL clause is used to specify the columns in a table in which to insert new records? 

1. SELECT 
2. UPDATE 
3. INSERT
4.  INTO

Answer: d. INTO