Insert data into database

[saathujaya]

I already had a table in database.Then i inserted another column in that table.I couldn't insert data in to that column.
INSERT INTO table (newly inserted column)
VALUES
('val1'),
('val2') ;

I tried above code.but that inserted null values for existing data's row and newly insert null rows.
+--------+------------+
| name | occupation |
+--------+------------+------+
|data1 | NULL |
|data2 | NULL |
| NULL |val1 |
| NULL | val2 |

Above output produced.Please anyone help to insert for specific column.

[matto]

http://www.w3schools.com/sql/sql_insert.asp

here you can find a good explanation of the sql INSERT statement.
mind that every column into which you wish to insert a value must already exist.
unmentioned columns will receive NULL values.

[saathujaya]

I'm afraid. I'm able to insert a new column so i think there will be a way to insert data for specific rows.

[matto]

perhaps I misunderstood ...
do you want to insert a new column such as:

table x: (id,name,birthdate) => table x: (id,name,birthdate,salary)

?

for this, you can use the "alter table" command (if you've got privilege ... just try it out).

http://www.w3schools.com/sql/sql_alter.asp

->
ALTER TABLE table_name ADD column_name datatype;

[saathujaya]

I inserted a column using alter command.But i failed to insert data in to that column.I got output like mentioned in previous question.

[KingWylim]

After you alter the table and add the column. I suggest you use an UPDATE and a WHERE command so that the data is placed in the proper location.

I hope this helps a bit.

[Weedpacket]

Aye, what he said; otherwise how is the database supposed to know which pre-existing row is supposed to get which new value?

[KingWylim]

Please mark this thread as resolved if this answered your question.