SQL DEFAULT Constraint

SQL DEFAULT Constraint

The DEFAULT constraint is used to provide a default value for a column.

The default value will be added to all new records IF no other value is specified.

SQL DEFAULT on CREATE TABLE

The following SQL sets a DEFAULT value for the "City" column when the "Persons" table is created:

Syntax:

CREATE TABLE Persons (
    ID int NOT NULL,
    LastName varchar(255) NOT NULL,
    FirstName varchar(255),
    Age int,
    City varchar(255) DEFAULT 'Sandnes'
);

The DEFAULT constraint can also be used to insert system values, by using functions like GETDATE():

CREATE TABLE Orders (
    ID int NOT NULL,
    OrderNumber int NOT NULL,
    OrderDate date DEFAULT GETDATE()
);

SQL DEFAULT on ALTER TABLE

To create a DEFAULT constraint on the "City" column when the table is already created, use the following SQL:

Syntax:

ALTER TABLE Persons
ADD CONSTRAINT df_City 
DEFAULT 'Sandnes' FOR City;

DROP a DEFAULT Constraint

To drop a DEFAULT constraint, use the following SQL:

Syntax:

ALTER TABLE Persons
ALTER COLUMN City DROP DEFAULT;