Traditionally, I'd take the following approach 1) Update - assume it's there 2) If update fails (0 rows) do an insert
Thats assuming that the update case is more prevalent. If the row is unlikely to be there - insert and do the update if you get a duplicate key. Rgds Mike -----Original Message----- From: Brent Baisley [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 16 October 2003 19:29 To: Mike Tuller Cc: MySql List Subject: Re: Check for data before inserting It sound like you want to use REPLACE instead of the SELECT and INSERT/UPDATE combo. Replace will insert if the record doesn't exist and update if it does. On Thursday, October 16, 2003, at 01:27 PM, Mike Tuller wrote: > I have a shell script that I have data entered into a database, and > instead > of just entering in the data blindly, I want it to check to see if the > item > it is entering exists already, and if it does, update the information > rather > than inserting it. So I want to run a select statement, and if results > come > back, have the data updated, and if not have it inserted. > > I know how to do this in PHP with $query_total_rows. Is there some way > in > SQL to do this, or do I need to figure out a way to do it in the shell > script? > > Thanks, > Mike > -- Brent Baisley Systems Architect Landover Associates, Inc. Search & Advisory Services for Advanced Technology Environments p: 212.759.6400/800.759.0577 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Live Life in Broadband www.telewest.co.uk The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Statements and opinions expressed in this e-mail may not represent those of the company. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender immediately and delete the material from any computer. ============================================================================== -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe: http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
