Handling NULL Values In SQL Databases: A Guide

NULL represents missing data in SQL databases. Though it sounds simple, handling NULL in queries, partitions, and indexes requires a thoughtful approach. This article provides a brief guide to managing NULL in your database.

  
  
  Concepts and examples

NULL as default column value
It’s common to set NULL as the default value in columns. This allows for flexibility when inserting data.

CREATE TABLE example_table (
  column_1 INT DEFAULT NULL
);

    
    

    
    




Querying for NULL
Since NULL represents the absence of a value, it can’t be queried using = NULL. Instead, SQL requires y...