This SQL Server tutorial explains how to use the IS NULL condition in SQL Server (Transact-SQL) with syntax and examples.
Description
The SQL Server (Transact-SQL) IS NULL conditions is used to test for a NULL value.
Syntax
The syntax for the IS NULL condition in SQL Server (Transact-SQL) is:
expression IS NULL
Parameters or Arguments
expression
The value to test whether it is a NULL value.
Note
- If expression is a NULL value, the conditions evaluates to TRUE.
- If expression is not a NULL value, the conditions evaluates to FALSE.
Example – With SELECT Statement
Let’s look at how to use the IS NULL condition in a SELECT statement in SQL Server.
For example:
SELECT * FROM employees WHERE last_name IS NULL;
This SQL Server IS NULL example will return all records from the employees table where the last_name contains a null value.
Example – With INSERT Statement
Let’s look at how to use the IS NULL condition in an INSERT statement in SQL Server.
For example:
INSERT INTO employees (employee_id, last_name, first_name) SELECT contact_id, last_name, first_name FROM contacts WHERE first_name IS NULL;
This SQL Server IS NULL example will insert records into the employees table records from the contacts table where the first_name contains a null value.
Example – With UPDATE Statement
Lets’ look at an example of how to use the IS NULL condition in an UPDATE statement in SQL Server.
For example:
UPDATE employees SET first_name = 'Unknown' WHERE first_name IS NULL;
This SQL Server IS NULL example will update records in the employees table where the first_name contains a null value.
Example – With DELETE Statement
Let’s look at an example of how to use the IS NULL conditions in a DELETE statement in SQL Server.
For example:
DELETE FROM employees WHERE last_name IS NULL;
This SQL Server IS NULL example will delete all records from the employees table where the last_name contains a null value.