How to Insert Records with Default Values in SQL?

Insert with Default Values

Write a SQL query to insert a record into a table with default values for unspecified columns.

Solution:

-- Insert a record with default values for unspecified columns.
INSERT INTO Employees (EmployeeID, Name) -- Specify only some columns.
VALUES (5, 'Charlie Davis'); -- Provide values for specified columns; others use defaults.

Explanation:

1. Purpose of the Query :

1. The goal is to insert a new record into the Employees table while allowing the database to automatically assign default values to unspecified columns.
2. This demonstrates how to use the INSERT INTO statement to add partial data to a table.

2. Key Components :

1. INSERT INTO Employees (EmployeeID, Name) : Specifies the columns for which values will be explicitly provided.
2. VALUES (5, 'Charlie Davis') : Provides values for the specified columns (EmployeeID and Name).
3. Columns not included in the INSERT INTO statement will automatically use their default values (if defined).

3. Why Use Default Values? :

1. Using default values simplifies data insertion when certain columns have predefined fallback values.
2. For example, if the Age or Salary columns have default values, you can omit them during insertion and let the database handle them.

4. Real-World Application :

1. For example, in a company database, you might insert a new employee's EmployeeID and Name while relying on default values for other columns like Age or Salary until more specific information becomes available.

Additional Notes:

• Default values are part of ensuring data consistency and reducing manual input errors.
• Scenarios where inserting with default values is appropriate, such as:
• Adding records with incomplete information that will be updated later.
• Simplifying data entry when certain columns have predictable or standard values.
• Important Considerations :
• Ensure that the unspecified columns have default values defined in the table schema; otherwise, they may result in null values.
• Verify that the default values align with the intended behavior of the application.

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