# DEFAULT Clause

A clause providing a value when an INSERT omits the column.

## What does **DEFAULT Clause** do in a relational database?

**DEFAULT Clause** — A clause providing a value when an INSERT omits the column.

```sql
CREATE TABLE customer (
    customer_id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,
    email CHARACTER VARYING(255) NOT NULL,
    status CHARACTER VARYING(20) DEFAULT 'active'
);
```

Level: Novice · [More Database terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/subjects/database/novice)

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/default-clause