Question

Write an SQL statement to insert a new row into the coffee table containing the following data: Description: Eastern Blend ProdNum: 30-001 Price: 18.95

Short answer

Question: Write an SQL statement to insert the following data into the coffee table: Description as "Eastern Blend", ProdNum as "30-001", and Price as 18.95. Answer: INSERT INTO coffee (Description, ProdNum, Price) VALUES ('Eastern Blend', '30-001', 18.95);

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Table and Columns

The table we are inserting data into is the coffee table. The columns that need to be populated are Description, ProdNum, and Price.

Prepare the Data

Given the data: Description: Eastern Blend ProdNum: 30-001 Price: 18.95 Take note that the description is a text value, so it needs to be surrounded by single quotes. ProdNum is also a text value, as it contains a hyphen, and will be enclosed in single quotes. The price is a numerical value, so it doesn't need quotes.

Construct the INSERT Statement

Using the identified table, columns, and prepared data, we can now create the SQL INSERT statement as follows: INSERT INTO coffee (Description, ProdNum, Price) VALUES ('Eastern Blend', '30-001', 18.95); This statement will insert the given data into the coffee table's specified columns.

Key concepts

Database Tables

A database table is a structured collection of data organized in rows and columns. Each table in a database holds information about a specific subject or entity, such as products, customers, or orders.
For instance, in an online coffee shop database, a table named **coffee** might store details about different coffee products. Each column in this table represents a different attribute related to the coffee, such as its **Description**, **ProdNum** (a unique product number), and **Price**.
The rows in a database table each represent a unique entry or record. For the coffee table, a row might contain information about a specific coffee blend, like Eastern Blend, along with its corresponding product number and price. Understanding tables is key to effectively organize and retrieve data from a database.

SQL Syntax

SQL syntax refers to the set of rules that define what constitutes a valid SQL statement used to interact with a database. SQL, which stands for Structured Query Language, is used to perform various operations such as querying data, updating records, and modifying database schemas.
When crafting SQL statements, it's essential to follow precise syntax rules. Keywords like **INSERT INTO**, **VALUES**, **SELECT**, **WHERE**, etc., must be used correctly to ensure the statements are understood by the database engine.
Take the INSERT statement in the original exercise from above, where we're inserting data into the coffee table:

• **INSERT INTO** indicates the action to add new data.
• **coffee (Description, ProdNum, Price)** specifies which table and columns are being targeted.
• **VALUES ('Eastern Blend', '30-001', 18.95)** provides the data to be inserted, aligned positionally with the specified columns.

This adherence to SQL syntax rules ensures the database processes and executes operations correctly.

Data Types

Data types in SQL define the nature of data that can be stored and manipulated within the database columns. Different data types ensure that only appropriate types of information are stored in each column, maintaining data integrity and enabling efficient queries.
Common SQL data types include:

• **VARCHAR** or **CHAR**: Used for text or string data, such as a coffee's description "Eastern Blend".
• **INTEGER**: For whole numbers without fractional components.
• **DECIMAL** or **FLOAT**: Used for numbers with decimal points, such as the price of a coffee, 18.95.

In our coffee table example, **Description** and **ProdNum** are likely to be stored as string data types because they include text and potentially special characters. **Price** would utilize a numeric data type, appropriate for calculations and ensuring precision in financial data.

SQL Query Construction

Constructing SQL queries is a fundamental skill in managing and manipulating data stored in database tables. The goal is to translate a desired operation into a precise sequence of SQL commands that the database understands.
When constructing an **INSERT** query, like in the original exercise, you need to:

• Explicitly identify the target table and columns where the data will be inserted.
• Ensure that the data types of the values match those expected by the corresponding columns in the table.
• Encapsulate string values in quotes, while numeric values do not require them.

For example, the given query: **INSERT INTO coffee (Description, ProdNum, Price) VALUES ('Eastern Blend', '30-001', 18.95);** This translates a real-world requirement of adding a new coffee product into a structured command, specifying exactly where each piece of data should go in the database table. Proper SQL query construction not only ensures data accuracy but also optimizes the performance of database operations.