SQL INSERT statements add new rows to database tables. Understanding proper insertion techniques is crucial for data management.

Key Concepts:

• Basic INSERT syntax
• Column specifications
• Value formatting
• Default values
• Constraints handling

Common Use Cases:

• Adding new customers
• Recording orders
• Creating product entries
• Storing user data
• Logging events

Best Practices:

• Always specify columns
• Validate data before insert
• Handle unique constraints
• Consider transactions
• Document requirements

Example Syntax:

INSERT INTO customers (
    name,
    email,
    created_at
) VALUES (
    'John Doe',
    'john@example.com',
    CURRENT_TIMESTAMP
);

Master the basic INSERT operation by adding a single row to a table.

Business Scenario: Add a new customer to the database.

Write a query that:

• Inserts one customer
• Specifies name and email
• Uses current timestamp
• Follows best practices
• Maintains data quality

Requirements:

• Include all required fields
• Format data correctly
• Handle timestamps
• Follow naming conventions
• Consider constraints

Tips:

• Check column names
• Match data types
• Use proper quotes
• Consider NULL values
• Validate the data

Learn to insert multiple rows efficiently in a single statement.

Business Scenario: Add several new products to inventory.

Write a query that:

• Inserts multiple products
• Sets names and prices
• Includes categories
• Uses single statement
• Maintains consistency

Key Concepts:

• Bulk insert syntax
• Value grouping
• Data consistency
• Performance benefits
• Error handling

Tips:

• Group values properly
• Maintain column order
• Check constraints
• Consider performance
• Validate all data

Learn to use default values and generated columns in INSERT statements.

Business Scenario: Create new orders with system-generated values.

Write a query that:

• Creates new order
• Uses default timestamps
• Sets customer ID
• Allows auto-increment
• Handles defaults

Best Practices:

• Understand defaults
• Document assumptions
• Test edge cases
• Verify results
• Handle errors

Tips:

• Check table structure
• Know your defaults
• Test thoroughly
• Monitor results
• Document behavior

Master inserting data from one table into another using SELECT statements.

Business Scenario: Copy high-value customers to VIP table.

Write a query that:

• Selects premium customers
• Copies specific columns
• Filters by criteria
• Maintains data types
• Ensures consistency

Advanced Concepts:

• Subquery usage
• Data transformation
• Filtering criteria
• Column mapping
• Error handling

Tips:

• Match column types
• Verify data quality
• Consider indexes
• Test with samples
• Document process

Learn strategies for handling unique constraint violations during inserts.

Business Scenario: Update or ignore duplicate customer records.

Write a query that:

• Handles duplicates
• Updates existing data
• Preserves uniqueness
• Maintains integrity
• Logs conflicts

Advanced Techniques:

• IGNORE keyword
• REPLACE syntax
• ON CONFLICT
• MERGE statements
• Error handling

Best Practices:

• Plan conflict resolution
• Document behavior
• Test edge cases
• Monitor performance
• Maintain consistency