The SQL UPDATE statement allows you to update an existing record in the database.

The UPDATE command uses a WHERE clause. If you don't use a WHERE clause, all rows will be updated. In fact, the syntax for a basic UPDATE statement is very similar to a SELECT statement.

SQL statement

UPDATE Individual

SET UserName = 'funnyman'

WHERE IndividualId = 6;

Source Table

IndividualIdFirstNameLastNameUserName1FredFlinstonefreddo2HomerSimpsonhomey3HomerBrownnotsofamous4OzzyOzzbournesabbath5HomerGainnoplacelike6BennyHillhillbenny

Result

Now if we select this record, we can see the updated value.

IndividualIdFirstNameLastNameUserName6BennyHillfunnyman

Updating Multiple Fields

To update multiple fields, separate each field assignment with a comma.

SQL statement

UPDATE Individual

SET UserName = 'getserious', FirstName = 'Onetree'

WHERE IndividualId = 6;

Result

IndividualIdFirstNameLastNameUserName6OnetreeHillgetserious

Next lesson covers the DELETE statement.