Hi,

> I have the SQL
> Alter table mytable add myfield integer default 0 not null;
>
> This will add the new field, for all existing records populate the
> new field with the value 0, but if a insert a new record - through my
> app or IBConsole - it forces me te enter a value.
>
> Leaving out the 'not null' allows nulls to be left out.
> ( I also try default '0' - same effect )
> Interbase v6

The DEFAULT clause only works if you leave out the field in the
INSERT INTO SQL.

For example,

INSERT INTO mytable (col1, col2, col3, myfield) VALUES ( etc)

This will not use the DEFAULT value - not even if the value for
myfield is NULL.

Leave the column from the INSERT and you should be fine.

And if you have a grid or other way to enter your data, the TField
implemention will check the "required" attribute and set it to True ->
it validates before sending the statement to IB. Set this to False too.

Martijn Tonies
InterBase Workbench - the developer tool for InterBase and Firebird
http://www.interbaseworkbench.com

Upscene Productions
http://www.upscene.com

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If we change anything, the users object."