Inserting data into a MySQL database is a fundamental operation in PHP web development. It allows you to add new records to your database tables, which is essential for creating dynamic web applications.

Basic Syntax

To insert data into a MySQL database using PHP, you'll typically use an SQL INSERT statement within your PHP code. Here's the basic structure:


$sql = "INSERT INTO table_name (column1, column2, column3) VALUES (value1, value2, value3)";

Executing the Query

After preparing your SQL statement, you need to execute it using a MySQL connection. Here's a simple example:


connect_error) {
    die("Connection failed: " . $conn->connect_error);
}

$sql = "INSERT INTO users (username, email) VALUES ('JohnDoe', 'john@example.com')";

if ($conn->query($sql) === TRUE) {
    echo "New record created successfully";
} else {
    echo "Error: " . $sql . "" . $conn->error;
}

$conn->close();
?>

Using Prepared Statements

For better security and to prevent SQL injection, it's recommended to use prepared statements. Here's how you can modify the previous example:


prepare("INSERT INTO users (username, email) VALUES (?, ?)");
$stmt->bind_param("ss", $username, $email);

$username = "JaneDoe";
$email = "jane@example.com";

if ($stmt->execute()) {
    echo "New record created successfully";
} else {
    echo "Error: " . $stmt->error;
}

$stmt->close();
$conn->close();
?>

Best Practices

Always use prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks.
Check for errors after executing queries and handle them appropriately.
Close database connections and statements when you're done using them.
Use meaningful column names and table structures in your database design.

Related Concepts

To fully understand and implement database operations in PHP, you might want to explore these related topics:

By mastering these concepts, you'll be well-equipped to handle various database operations in your PHP applications.