Beginner

127. DEFAULT Value

Understand how DEFAULT values can automatically provide values when data is inserted.

📘 Lesson 127 of 728 ⏱ 8 min 🎯 Beginner

A DEFAULT constraint specifies a value that the database can automatically use for a column when an INSERT statement does not provide a value for that column.

Defaults help maintain consistent data and reduce the need for applications or users to explicitly provide common values.

A new employee record may automatically receive an Active status when no status is provided.

SQL 
CREATE TABLE Employees (
    EmployeeID INT,
    EmployeeName VARCHAR(100),
    Status VARCHAR(20) DEFAULT 'Active'
);

DEFAULT values are commonly used for statuses, creation dates, flags, quantities, and other fields with common starting values.

  • DEFAULT provides an automatic value.
  • It is defined at the column level.
  • It can simplify INSERT operations.
  • It helps maintain consistent data.
  • The default is used when a value is not supplied.
What is a DEFAULT constraint?

A DEFAULT constraint specifies a value that the database can automatically use when no value is provided.

Why use DEFAULT values?

They reduce manual input and help maintain consistent values in database records.

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