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How to Create a MySQL Sequence?

What is Sequence in MySQL?

In MySQL, a sequence refers to a list of integers that is generated in the ascending order beginning from 1 or 0 if specified. Many applications require sequences that will be used to generate unique numbers especially for identification.

Example

Examples include customer ID in CRM, employee numbers in HR, and equipment numbers in the services management system.

To create a sequence in MySQL automatically, the AUTO_INCREMENT attribute for a column needs to be set. This would typically be a primary key column.

Rules

The following rules need to be followed while using the AUTO_INCREMENT attribute −

Every table has only one AUTO_INCREMENT column whose data type would be an integer typically.

The AUTO_INCREMENT column needs to be indexed. This means it can either be a PRIMARY KEY or a UNIQUE index.

The AUTO_INCREMENT column must have a NOT NULL constraint on it.

When the AUTO_INCREMENT attribute is set to a column, MySQL automatically adds the NOT NULL constraint to the column on its own.

Create a MySQL Sequence

Let us see an example of creating a MySQL sequence −

CREATE TABLE tableName (
   emp_no INT AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
   first_name VARCHAR(50),
   last_name VARCHAR(50)
)

Let us understand how the AUTO_INCREMENT column works −

  • The starting value of an AUTO_INCREMENT column is usually 1. It is increased by 1 when a NULL value is inserted into the column or when a value is omitted in the INSERT statement.

  • To obtain the last generated sequence number, the LAST_INSERT_ID() function can be used.

  • The last generated sequence is unique across sessions.

  • If another connection generates a sequence number, it can be obtained by using the LAST_INSERT_ID() function.

  • If a new row is inserted into a table and a value is specified for the sequence column, MySQL ensures to insert the sequence number if the sequence number doesn’t exist in the column.