INSERT INTO single row in SQL - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the SQL command INSERT INTO do?

It adds a new row of data into a table in the database.

beginner

Write the basic syntax to insert a single row into a table named students with columns id and name.

INSERT INTO students (id, name) VALUES (1, 'Alice');

intermediate

Can you insert a row without specifying column names in SQL?

Yes, if you provide values for all columns in the exact order they appear in the table.

intermediate

What happens if you try to insert a row with a duplicate primary key?

The database will reject the insert and return an error because primary keys must be unique.

beginner

Why is it a good practice to specify column names in an INSERT INTO statement?

It makes the query clearer and safer, especially if the table structure changes later.

Which SQL keyword is used to add a new row to a table?

A INSERT INTO

B SELECT

C UPDATE

D DELETE

The INSERT INTO statement adds new rows to a table.

What must you include in an INSERT INTO statement to add a single row?

A Table name and SELECT statement

B Only table name

C Table name and values

D Only values

You need to specify the table name and the values to insert.

If a table has columns id, name, and age, which is a correct insert statement?

A INSERT INTO table VALUES ('Bob', 25, 1);

B INSERT INTO table (id, name, age) VALUES (1, 'Bob', 25);

C INSERT table (id, name, age) VALUES (1, 'Bob', 25);

D INSERT INTO table (id, name) VALUES (1, 'Bob', 25);

Option B correctly specifies columns and matching values.

What error occurs if you insert a row with a duplicate primary key?

A No error, row is added

B Syntax error

C Data type mismatch

D Unique constraint violation

Primary keys must be unique; duplicates cause a unique constraint violation.

Is it mandatory to specify column names in an INSERT INTO statement?

A No, if you provide values for all columns in order

B Yes, always mandatory

C Only for tables with one column

D Only for tables with primary keys

You can omit column names if you provide values for all columns in the correct order.

Explain how to insert a single row into a SQL table and why specifying column names is helpful.

Think about the syntax and benefits of naming columns.

What happens if you try to insert a row with a duplicate primary key? How can you avoid this?

Consider the role of primary keys in uniqueness.