Head First SQL, 2nd Edition

Chapter 2. Inserting Data: Adding Table Rows

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Figure 2-1.  

Ready to fill ‘er up? Creating databases and tables is great fun, but what’s the point of all that precious SQL structure without actual data to occupy it?

That’s where this chapter comes in: here, you’ll learn how to add values to your tables with the INSERT command. You’ll see plenty of INSERT variations and meet that infamous NULL character you’ve heard spooky stories about. But not to worry, you’re also going to be able to tame those missing values with some minor adjustments to your CREATE TABLE statement.

There’s a lot to be done, so come on in. And remember, in SQL, a full table is a happy table.

Setting up a database with tables

In Chapter 1, you learned that you can store data in a relational database that contains tables. You can think about your information ...