Correct Formatting for INSERT Statement with Auto-incremented Primary Key

Which of the following is a correctly formatted INSERT statement that will successfully add a new record that uses the auto-incremented primary key into this table?

(a) INSERT INTO event (event_id, event_name) VALUES (1, 'Homework Due')
(b) INSERT INTO event (event_id, event_name) VALUES (NEXTVAL, 'Homework Due')
(c) INSERT INTO event (event_name) VALUES ('Homework Due')
(d) INSERT INTO event (event_name) VALUES ('Homework Due')
Final answer:Option (c)

Answer:

Option (c) INSERT INTO event (event_name) VALUES ('Homework Due') is the correct formatting for the INSERT statement.

Reflecting on the correct formatting for an INSERT statement with an auto-incremented primary key is crucial in SQL database management. The question presented a scenario where we need to add a new record into a table with an auto-incremented primary key.

The correct option (c) stands out as the best choice due to the nature of the table's primary key definition. In this case, the event_id column is designated as SERIAL, which automatically generates a unique value for each new record. This eliminates the need to specify a value for the event_id column explicitly in the INSERT statement.

By focusing on providing the value only for the event_name column, the INSERT statement follows the correct syntax and best practices for working with auto-incremented primary keys. This approach ensures that a new record is inserted into the table with a unique event_id generated automatically.

Understanding the nuances of SQL syntax and correctly formatting INSERT statements is essential for database administrators and developers. By grasping these concepts, individuals can efficiently manage database operations and ensure data integrity.