What is the purpose of the INSERT statement in SQL?

The INSERT statement in SQL is used to add new rows of data to a table in a database.

In more detail, the INSERT statement is a fundamental part of Structured Query Language (SQL), the standard language for dealing with Relational Databases. SQL can be used to insert, search, update, and delete database records. The INSERT statement specifically allows you to create and add new records (rows of data) into a table.

The basic syntax of the INSERT statement is as follows: INSERT INTO table_name (column1, column2, column3,...) VALUES (value1, value2, value3,...). Here, 'table_name' is the name of the table where you want to insert the new data, 'column1, column2, column3,...' are the names of the columns in the table where the data will be inserted, and 'value1, value2, value3,...' are the values to be inserted into the respective columns.

It's important to note that when using the INSERT statement, the order of column names and values must match. If you're inserting values for all the columns of the table, you do not need to specify the column names in the SQL query. However, make sure the order of the values is in the same order as the columns in the table.

The INSERT statement is not only used to insert data from a user input or application, but also to insert data from one table into another. This is particularly useful when you need to copy data from one table to another, or when you need to backup data.

In summary, the INSERT statement is a crucial tool in SQL for creating and managing databases. It allows you to add new data to your tables, ensuring your database is up-to-date and relevant.