Upsert
A write that updates a record if it exists or inserts it if it does not.
Upsert combines insert and update: it writes a record, creating it if missing or updating if present. It simplifies syncs and prevents duplicate logic.
Ops teams use upserts for CRM contacts, product catalogs, and configuration syncs where the same key may already exist.
In workflows, upserts enable idempotent writes during retries, backfills, and merges. They reduce conflict handling and keep data consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I implement upsert safely?
Use database upsert/merge primitives or API endpoints that support upsert by unique key. Ensure keys are stable and indexed.
What if there are concurrent upserts?
Use transactions or optimistic locking to avoid race conditions. Ensure updates are deterministic when order matters.
How do I handle partial updates?
Specify which fields to overwrite vs. preserve. Avoid wiping fields unintentionally; use patch semantics when needed.
Can upserts create duplicates?
Only if keys are inconsistent. Standardize keys and enforce uniqueness constraints to prevent duplicates.
How do upserts help retries?
They make retries idempotent—replaying the same request won’t create dupes. Log keys used per write.
Do all APIs support upsert?
No. Some require separate check-then-write logic. Where missing, simulate with get+update/insert guarded by idempotency keys.
How do I audit upserts?
Record before/after values, keys, and timestamps. Keep change logs for compliance and debugging.
Are upserts slower than inserts?
Slightly, due to existence checks, but the reliability gain typically outweighs the cost.
What about cascading updates?
Define clear ownership. If child records depend on parent updates, wrap in transactions or orchestrate in order.
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