Demystifying SQL Server Insert Into from Select for Dev

Hey Dev, are you struggling with understanding how to use the SQL Server Insert Into from Select statement? Look no further! In this article, we’ll break down the syntax, provide examples, and even address some frequently asked questions.

What is SQL Server Insert Into from Select?

SQL Server Insert Into from Select is a statement that allows you to insert data into a table from the result of a select statement. This means that you can take data from one table and insert it into another table without having to manually enter each value.

Syntax of SQL Server Insert Into from Select

The syntax for SQL Server Insert Into from Select is as follows:

Keyword	Description
INSERT INTO	Specifies the table to insert data into
SELECT	Specifies the data to be inserted

Here is an example of the syntax:

INSERT INTO Table1 (Column1, Column2, Column3)SELECT Column1, Column2, Column3FROM Table2WHERE Column4 = 'Value'

Examples of SQL Server Insert Into from Select

Example 1: Inserting All Columns

If you want to insert all columns from Table2 into Table1, you can use the following code:

INSERT INTO Table1SELECT *FROM Table2

This will insert all rows and columns from Table2 into Table1.

Example 2: Inserting Specific Columns

If you only want to insert specific columns from Table2 into Table1, you can list them after the Table1 name:

INSERT INTO Table1 (Column1, Column2, Column3)SELECT Column1, Column2, Column3FROM Table2

This will only insert the specified columns from Table2 into Table1.

Example 3: Inserting Data with a Where Clause

If you only want to insert data from Table2 that meets certain criteria, you can use a where clause:

INSERT INTO Table1 (Column1, Column2, Column3)SELECT Column1, Column2, Column3FROM Table2WHERE Column4 = 'Value'

This will only insert data from Table2 where Column4 equals 'Value' into Table1.

FAQ

Can I insert data into multiple tables at once?

No, you cannot insert data into multiple tables at once using SQL Server Insert Into from Select. You will need to use separate statements for each table.

Can I insert data into a different database?

Yes, you can insert data into a different database by fully qualifying the table name:

INSERT INTO MyDatabase.dbo.Table1 (Column1, Column2, Column3)SELECT Column1, Column2, Column3FROM MyOtherDatabase.dbo.Table2

Can I insert data into a table with an identity column?

Yes, you can insert data into a table with an identity column. SQL Server will automatically generate new identity values for the inserted rows.

Can I insert data into a table with a computed column?

It depends on how the computed column is defined. If the computed column is defined as 'persisted', then you can insert data into it. However, if the computed column is not persisted, you cannot insert data into it.

Conclusion

SQL Server Insert Into from Select is a powerful statement that allows you to insert data into a table from the result of a select statement. By using the examples and syntax provided in this article, you'll be able to use this statement with ease. Happy coding, Dev!