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What’s the difference between UPDATE and INSERT in sql?

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In SQL, UPDATE and INSERT are two fundamental commands used to manipulate data in a database, but they serve distinct purposes.

1. INSERT Command

The INSERT statement is used to add new rows of data into a table. Each new record represents a distinct entity in the dataset.

Syntax:

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

Example:

sql
INSERT INTO Employees (FirstName, LastName, Age)
VALUES ('John', 'Doe', 30);

This command adds a new employee with the specified details.

2. UPDATE Command

The UPDATE statement is used to modify existing records in a table. It allows you to change one or more columns for specified rows.

Syntax:

sql
UPDATE table_name
SET column1 = value1, column2 = value2
WHERE condition;

Example:

sql
UPDATE Employees
SET Age = 31
WHERE FirstName = 'John' AND LastName = 'Doe';

This command updates the age of the employee named John Doe.

Key Differences

  • Purpose:
    • INSERT is for adding new records.
    • UPDATE is for modifying existing records.
  • Impact on Rows:
    • INSERT increases the number of rows in a table.
    • UPDATE changes the data of existing rows without altering the row count.
  • Usage:
    • Use INSERT when you need to create new entries.
    • Use UPDATE when you want to change information for existing entries.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between INSERT and UPDATE is crucial for effective data management in SQL. By using these commands appropriately, you can ensure that your database accurately reflects the information you intend to store and modify.

  • Posted In:
  • SQL
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