Insert Multiple Rows in SQL Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Hello there, Dev! As a developer, you know how crucial it is to master SQL Server, and one of the essential skills that you need to learn is inserting multiple rows into tables. This article will guide you through the process of inserting multiple rows in SQL Server and address your frequently asked questions. Let’s get started!

Understanding Inserting Multiple Rows in SQL Server

Before diving into how to insert multiple rows, let’s first understand the concept of inserting data into SQL Server tables. The INSERT statement in SQL Server allows you to add one or more rows of data to a table. The syntax for inserting data into a table is as follows:

Column 1	Column 2
Value 1	Value 2

To insert multiple rows in SQL Server, you can either use the INSERT statement for each row or use the INSERT INTO SELECT statement to insert multiple rows at once. Let’s explore both options in detail.

Using the INSERT Statement for Each Row

If you need to insert a small number of rows into a table, you can use the INSERT statement for each row. Here’s the syntax:

Column 1	Column 2
Value 1	Value 2
Value 3	Value 4

Step 1: Create the Table

The first step is to create the table that you want to insert the data into. Here’s an example:

CustomerID	CustomerName	ContactName	Country

Step 2: Insert the Data

Next, you can use the INSERT statement to add the data to the table. Here’s an example:

CustomerID	CustomerName	ContactName	Country
1	Alfreds Futterkiste	Maria Anders	Germany
2	Berglunds snabbköp	Christina Berglund	Sweden

Step 3: Verify the Data

You can check if the data has been successfully added to the table by using the SELECT statement. Here’s an example:

CustomerID	CustomerName	ContactName	Country
1	Alfreds Futterkiste	Maria Anders	Germany
2	Berglunds snabbköp	Christina Berglund	Sweden

As you can see, using the INSERT statement for each row can be time-consuming and tedious when dealing with a large number of rows. A more efficient way to insert multiple rows is to use the INSERT INTO SELECT statement.

Using the INSERT INTO SELECT Statement

The INSERT INTO SELECT statement allows you to insert data from one table into another table. Here’s the syntax:

Column 1	Column 2
Value 1	Value 2
Value 3	Value 4

Step 1: Create the Source Table

The first step is to create the source table that contains the data you want to insert. Here’s an example:

CustomerID	CustomerName	ContactName	Country
1	Alfreds Futterkiste	Maria Anders	Germany
2	Berglunds snabbköp	Christina Berglund	Sweden

Step 2: Create the Destination Table

Next, create the destination table that you want to insert the data into. Here’s an example:

CustomerID	CustomerName	ContactName	Country

Step 3: Insert the Data

You can use the INSERT INTO SELECT statement to insert the data from the source table into the destination table. Here’s an example:

CustomerID	CustomerName	ContactName	Country
1	Alfreds Futterkiste	Maria Anders	Germany
2	Berglunds snabbköp	Christina Berglund	Sweden

Step 4: Verify the Data

You can check if the data has been successfully added to the table by using the SELECT statement. Here’s an example:

CustomerID	CustomerName	ContactName	Country
1	Alfreds Futterkiste	Maria Anders	Germany
2	Berglunds snabbköp	Christina Berglund	Sweden

FAQs on Inserting Multiple Rows in SQL Server

What is the maximum number of rows that can be inserted using the INSERT INTO statement?

SQL Server does not impose a limit on the number of rows that can be inserted using the INSERT INTO statement. However, inserting a large number of rows can affect the performance of the SQL Server database.

Can I insert data into specific columns of a table using the INSERT INTO statement?

Yes, you can specify the columns that you want to insert data into using the INSERT INTO statement. Here’s the syntax:

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

How do I insert multiple rows into a table with different values?

You can use the INSERT INTO statement to insert multiple rows into a table with different values. Here’s an example:

INSERT INTO table_name (column1, column2, column3) VALUES (value1, value2, value3), (value4, value5, value6), (value7, value8, value9);

Can I use the INSERT INTO statement to insert data from one table into another table?

Yes, you can use the INSERT INTO SELECT statement to insert data from one table into another table. Here’s the syntax:

INSERT INTO table2 (column1, column2, column3,…) SELECT column1, column2, column3,… FROM table1;

What is the difference between the INSERT INTO and INSERT INTO SELECT statements?

The INSERT INTO statement is used to insert data into one table, while the INSERT INTO SELECT statement is used to insert data from one table into another table.

Conclusion

Inserting multiple rows into SQL Server tables is an essential skill that every developer must master. The INSERT statement for each row can be time-consuming and tedious when dealing with a large number of rows, while the INSERT INTO SELECT statement is more efficient. We hope that this comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge and tools you need to insert multiple rows in SQL Server. Happy coding!