Insert SQL Server

Hello Dev, in this article we will discuss the basics of insert SQL Server statements. If you are new to SQL or simply want to refresh your memory, then this article is for you. We will start by defining what insert SQL Server statements are, followed by the syntax, different ways of inserting records, and some frequently asked questions. So, let’s get started!

What are Insert SQL Server Statements?

An insert SQL Server statement is a command in SQL that allows you to add new records to a table. This is one of the most basic functions of SQL, as it is used to populate a database with new data. It is important to note that insert SQL Server statements are not used to update or delete records, as those have their own commands.

Syntax of Insert SQL Server Statements

The basic syntax of an insert SQL Server statement is as follows:

Column1	Column2
Value1	Value2

Example of Insert SQL Server Statement

Here is an example of an insert SQL Server statement:

INSERT INTO Employees (FirstName, LastName, HireDate, Salary)VALUES (‘John’, ‘Doe’, ‘2019-01-01’, ‘$40,000’);

This statement adds a new record to the Employees table with the values ‘John’ for FirstName, ‘Doe’ for LastName, ‘2019-01-01’ for HireDate, and ‘$40,000’ for Salary.

Different Ways of Inserting Records

Inserting Records with Default Values

If you want to insert records into a table with default values, you can use the following syntax:

INSERT INTO Employees DEFAULT VALUES;

This statement will insert a new record into the Employees table with default values for all columns.

Inserting Records from Another Table

You can also insert records into a table from another table using the following SQL Server statement:

INSERT INTO Employees (FirstName, LastName, HireDate, Salary)SELECT FirstName, LastName, HireDate, Salary FROM NewEmployees;

This statement inserts records into the Employees table from the NewEmployees table.

Inserting Multiple Records

You can insert multiple records into a table using one insert SQL Server statement by separating each set of values with a comma, like so:

INSERT INTO Employees (FirstName, LastName, HireDate, Salary)VALUES (‘John’, ‘Doe’, ‘2019-01-01’, ‘$40,000’),(‘Jane’, ‘Smith’, ‘2019-02-01’, ‘$50,000’),(‘Bob’, ‘Johnson’, ‘2019-03-01’, ‘$60,000’);

This statement will insert three new records into the Employees table.

Inserting Records with NULL Values

You can insert records with NULL values using the following SQL Server statement:

INSERT INTO Employees (FirstName, LastName, HireDate)VALUES (‘John’, ‘Doe’, NULL);

This statement will insert a new record into the Employees table with NULL values for the Salary column.

FAQs

What is the Purpose of an Insert SQL Server Statement?

The purpose of an insert SQL Server statement is to add new records to a table in a database.

Can I Insert Records Without Specifying All Columns?

Yes, you can insert records without specifying all columns. However, it is recommended to specify all columns to avoid errors when adding data to a table.

How Do I Insert Records Into Multiple Tables?

To insert records into multiple tables, you will need to use multiple SQL Server statements, one for each table.

What Happens if I Try to Insert a Record with a Duplicate Primary Key?

If you try to insert a record with a duplicate primary key, SQL Server will return an error and the record will not be added to the table.

Can I Insert Records with the Current Date and Time?

Yes, you can insert records with the current date and time using the following SQL Server statement:

INSERT INTO Employees (FirstName, LastName, HireDate)VALUES (‘John’, ‘Doe’, GETDATE());

This statement will insert a new record into the Employees table with the current date and time for the HireDate column.

That’s it, Dev! We hope this article has helped you understand the basics of insert SQL Server statements. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Happy coding!