`INSERT INTO` Query in DBMS (MySQL) [ English ]

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Introduction

In a Database Management System (DBMS), tables are used to store data in rows and columns. After creating a table, the next step is to add records to it. The INSERT INTO command is used to insert new data into a table.

This command allows users to add one or more rows of data to a table by specifying the values for each column.

Definition

The INSERT INTO query is a Data Manipulation Language (DML) command used to add new records (rows) into a table in a database.

Syntax

Method 1: Inserting Data by Specifying Column Names

INSERT INTO table_name (column1, column2, column3, ...)
VALUES (value1, value2, value3, ...);

• table_name – The name of the table where data will be inserted.
• column1, column2, column3 – The columns in which data will be inserted.
• value1, value2, value3 – The values corresponding to the columns.

Method 2: Inserting Data Without Specifying Column Names

If values are provided for all columns in the correct order, column names can be omitted.

INSERT INTO table_name
VALUES (value1, value2, value3, ...);

How It Works

When the INSERT INTO command is executed:

1. The DBMS checks whether the specified table exists.
2. It verifies the column names and data types.
3. The provided values are inserted as a new row in the table.
4. The table is updated with the new record.

Example

Assume we have a table named students.

Insert a new record:

INSERT INTO students (id, name, age, course)
VALUES (1, 'Rahul', 20, 'BCA');

After inserting the record, the table will look like this:

Inserting Multiple Rows

MySQL also allows inserting multiple rows in a single query.

INSERT INTO students (id, name, age, course)
VALUES
(2, 'Anita', 21, 'BBA'),
(3, 'Rohit', 19, 'BCA'),
(4, 'Priya', 22, 'BCom');

After executing the command, the table will contain multiple records.

Important Rules

• The number of values must match the number of columns.
• Data types of values must be compatible with column data types.
• Text values must be enclosed in single quotes (' ').

Example:

'Rahul'

Key Points

• INSERT INTO is a DML command.
• It is used to add new records to a table.
• Data can be inserted one row at a time or multiple rows at once.
• Column names can be specified or omitted (if values match all columns).

Summary

The INSERT INTO command is used to add new records to a table in a database. It allows users to insert data into specific columns or all columns of a table. This command plays an important role in storing and managing data within a DBMS.