MERGE INTO in Oracle - Examples & AI Generator

The MERGE INTO statement in Oracle is a powerful way to perform conditional INSERT and UPDATE operations in a single query. Yet, its advanced syntax and strict requirements make correct implementation time-consuming—especially when every database uses different MERGE conventions. If you want instant, production-ready SQL without memorizing Oracle nuances, AI2sql lets you generate optimized MERGE INTO queries in seconds—no manual coding required.

MERGE INTO Syntax in Oracle

Oracle-Specific MERGE Syntax

Oracle uses a unique MERGE INTO format—differing from other databases. This structure allows you to synchronize two tables by matching and then updating or inserting records in one atomic operation.

MERGE INTO target_table t
USING source_table s
ON (t.id = s.id)
WHEN MATCHED THEN
  UPDATE SET t.col1 = s.col1
WHEN NOT MATCHED THEN
  INSERT (id, col1) VALUES (s.id, s.col1);

• target_table: Table to update or insert into.

• source_table: Table providing new values.

• WHEN MATCHED: UPDATE existing rows.

• WHEN NOT MATCHED: INSERT new rows.

MERGE INTO Examples You Can Generate Instantly

Upsert Customer Contact Information

MERGE INTO customers c
USING updated_customers u
ON (c.customer_id = u.customer_id)
WHEN MATCHED THEN
  UPDATE SET c.email = u.email, c.phone = u.phone
WHEN NOT MATCHED THEN
  INSERT (customer_id, email, phone) VALUES (u.customer_id, u.email, u.phone);

Synchronize Product Prices From New Catalogue

MERGE INTO products p
USING latest_prices l
ON (p.product_code = l.product_code)
WHEN MATCHED THEN
  UPDATE SET p.price = l.price
WHEN NOT MATCHED THEN
  INSERT (product_code, price) VALUES (l.product_code, l.price);

Update or Insert Order Statuses

MERGE INTO orders o
USING order_updates u
ON (o.order_id = u.order_id)
WHEN MATCHED THEN
  UPDATE SET o.status = u.status, o.last_updated = u.last_updated
WHEN NOT MATCHED THEN
  INSERT (order_id, status, last_updated) VALUES (u.order_id, u.status, u.last_updated);

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Why Use AI2sql Instead of Manual MERGE INTO Coding

• Saves time: Generate accurate, production-ready MERGE INTO statements from natural language in 10 seconds—no syntax lookup needed.

• Avoids errors: Oracle’s MERGE INTO syntax is strict. AI2sql instantly applies correct clauses, reducing costly mistakes.

• Scales with you: Used by over 50,000+ users across 80+ countries to streamline SQL workflows—especially when switching between database systems.

• No coding required: Focus on business logic, not syntax memorization.

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FAQ: MERGE INTO in Oracle

What’s the difference between MERGE INTO in Oracle vs. other databases?

Oracle’s MERGE INTO requires USING for the source table and allows only a single ON predicate. Syntax and capabilities differ from SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and others, making direct copy-paste from other platforms unreliable.

Can MERGE INTO handle DELETE operations in Oracle?

Yes. Since Oracle 10g, you can add WHEN MATCHED THEN DELETE WHERE (condition) to remove matched rows, enhancing data synchronization logic.

Is MERGE INTO faster than separate INSERT and UPDATE statements?

Often yes; MERGE is optimized for bulk synchronization, reducing the need for multiple scans and improving performance for upsert logic in a single pass.

Conclusion

Learning and applying MERGE INTO in Oracle can be challenging—especially when switching between SQL platforms. AI2sql eliminates syntax hurdles and delivers instant, optimized MERGE INTO queries tailored for Oracle. Join 50,000+ global users automating SQL and streamline your database updates in just 10 seconds. Generate Your First Query Now.