SQL & Databases Masterclass Course
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SQL Lesson 13: Inserting rows
Introduction & Core Concept
Up until now, you have focused entirely on querying data (DQL - Data Query Language). Now, we transition to modifying database state (DML - Data Manipulation Language).
To insert brand new rows of data into an existing table, we use the INSERT INTO statement. You must declare the target table name, list the exact target columns inside parentheses, and provide corresponding values in the exact same index order.
INSERT INTO table_name (column1, column2)
VALUES (value1, value2);Why & Where We Use It
Real-World Example
A new VIP customer completes their registration form on ShopMart. The web backend compiles their inputted name and location into an INSERT INTO query, committing their profile to the users database table instantly.
Best Practices: What to Do & What NOT to Do
AUTOINCREMENT primary keys, omit the id column from your insert statement entirely. The database engine will automatically assign the next available sequential number!NOT NULL) columns from your INSERT INTO column list without ensuring a default schema value exists. Doing so will immediately reject your transaction!Syntax & Pro Tips
INSERT INTO users (id, name, country, created_at)
VALUES (9, 'Devin Knight', 'USA', '2026-05-06');