Add and Edit Rows

This guide shows you how to add new records and edit existing data in your database tables.

Add a New Row¶

To add a new row to the current table:

1. Press + (plus key)

2. Fill in the form fields

3. Click “Add Row” or press Enter

Required vs Optional Fields¶

• Required fields: Must have a value (cannot be empty)

• Optional fields: Show “(optional)” placeholder text

If you try to submit without filling required fields, you’ll get an error message.

Primary Key Fields¶

When adding rows, primary key field behavior depends on the database:

• Auto-increment fields (like SQLite’s INTEGER PRIMARY KEY): Show “(auto)” and are automatically generated

• Manually-set primary keys (UUIDs, composite keys, etc.): Must be provided by you

When editing rows, primary key fields are displayed but not editable. This prevents accidental changes that could break foreign key relationships.

Edit an Existing Row¶

To edit a row:

Method 1: Keyboard

1. Navigate to the row using arrow keys

2. Press e

Method 2: Mouse

1. Double-click on the row

Edit Form Behavior¶

• Primary key field is displayed but read-only

• All other fields are pre-filled with current values

• Button says “Save Changes”

Make your changes and click “Save Changes” or press Enter.

Working with Foreign Keys¶

When a field references another table (foreign key), you’ll see a dropdown instead of a text field.

Foreign Key Dropdowns¶

The dropdown shows:

• (none) - for NULL/no relationship

• List of records from the related table

Example: If a table has a foreign key to a “categories” table, the dropdown might show:

• (none)

• Category A

• Category B

• etc.

The dropdown displays human-readable names, not just IDs.

Setting a Foreign Key to NULL¶

To remove a relationship, select (none) from the dropdown.

Cancel Changes¶

To close the form without saving:

• Press Esc

• Click “Cancel” button

No changes will be made to the database.

Keyboard Navigation in Forms¶

Common Issues¶

“Missing required field” Error¶

Problem: You tried to submit without filling a required field.

Solution: Fill in all fields that don’t show “(optional)”.

“Invalid value” Error¶

Problem: You entered the wrong data type (e.g., text in a number field).

Solution: Check the field type and enter appropriate data:

• Numbers: Just digits and optionally a decimal point

• Text: Any characters

• Integers: Whole numbers only

Foreign Key Dropdown is Empty¶

Problem: The dropdown only shows “(none)” with no other options.

Solution: The related table is empty. Add records to that table first.

Can’t Edit Primary Key¶

Problem: The ID field is grayed out when editing.

Explanation: Deflatable prevents editing primary keys to avoid breaking foreign key relationships. If you need to change a primary key, delete the row and create a new one.

Tips¶

Use Tab for Navigation: Press Tab to move between fields quickly instead of clicking.

Foreign Keys Save Time: Let Deflatable handle foreign keys instead of remembering IDs manually.

Double-click to Edit: Faster than navigating and pressing e.

Check Before Submitting: Review your changes before clicking “Add Row” or “Save Changes”.