To add records to a database, you can use either the CREATE or INSERT statements. The CREATE statement places a newly created record in the database, but does not display the record or request user input. All fields in the record are set to the initial values specified in the Data Dictionary. The CREATE statement causes any CREATE trigger associated with the table to execute. This trigger may set fields in the record to new values. The INSERT statement not only creates the record, but also displays the record and requests input.

The INSERT statement is composed of four other statements—the CREATE, DISPLAY, PROMPT–FOR and ASSIGN statements. Three of these statements (DISPLAY, PROMPT–FOR, and ASSIGN) comprise the UPDATE statement. You can emulate an INSERT statement by using the four statements, or by using the CREATE and UPDATE statements. This is more flexible than using the INSERT statement alone.

For example, the INSERT statement always displays fields in the order they are defined in the schema. The UPDATE statement lets you specify the order they are displayed. Note that if you use an INSERT statement, the CREATE trigger is executed before the record is displayed.

To delete records from a database, use the DELETE statement. The DELETE statement causes any DELETE trigger associated with the table to execute.