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Asked: 2026-05-13T22:46:23+00:00

I need to add a NOT NULL column to an existing (populated) table that

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I need to add a NOT NULL column to an existing (populated) table that will be a foreign key to another table. This brings about two problems:

  1. When you add the column, its value cannot be null – using a default is not an option (unless it is removed later on) because the database logic is used in the server side validation when a user enters a new record i.e. when the application tries to add a record with this field having a null value, the database throws an error that the application catches and returns to the user, prompting them to correct it.

  2. The column has a foreign key constraint, meaning its value MUST exist in the foreign table as well.

What is the best way to go about this?

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1 Answer

  1. Editorial Team

    Create the column, but allow NULL.
    Populate the column with the correct data from the foreign key table.
    Alter the column add not null.
    Add the foreign key constraint.

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