Storing data in databases inherently requires regular updates. This process involves adding new data and replacing outdated information. While numerous challenges are associated with updating data in databases, this article will concentrate on a specific aspect: optimization of the data updating process. We will explore the UPSERT option, which effectively combines the SQL UPDATE and INSERT statements and the application of the SQL UPSERT operation in MySQL databases.
What is UPSERT in MySQL?
The UPSERT feature in SQL is a hybrid of the UPDATE and INSERT statements. It enables merging the functionality of updating existing data and adding new records. When a record is already in the database, UPSERT triggers an UPDATE to modify it. If the record doesn’t exist, UPSERT performs an INSERT, adding a new record. This operation is atomic and completed in a single step.
SQL programmers often use UPSERT to prevent duplicating records while updating databases. This is especially useful in scenarios like data migration or importing data from external sources where duplicates might occur. For example, UPSERT adds new customers while updating existing ones with new information. This simplifies the process, eliminating the need for complex statements with IF clauses in stored procedures.
While UPSERT is an essential feature in relational database management systems, it’s not universally available as a distinct command. Oracle supports a direct UPSERT command, but MySQL doesn’t. However, MySQL and MariaDB offer UPSERT-like functionality through specific variations of the INSERT statement, which will be discussed later in this article.
Read in full: https://blog.devart.com/mysql-upsert.html
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