Insert when not exists

Question

Is there anyway of getting owb to implement the following sql without
resorting to using a insert update operation:
insert into desttable
(select * from myview where not exists (select null from b where desttable.emp_id=myview.emp_id)
This sounds almost like the perfect application for an insert/update (or merge)
operation. But in my case, I do not want to update the destination tables if I get
a match, I am only interested in using the insert part of a merge operation. I could
create a dummy update clause, but that would be a waste of resources.
Any ideas?
Graeme

Answer 1

What I've done in this situation, and there might be a better way, is use an outer join. Essentially, I do this:
insert into desttable (
select a.*
from mytable a, desttable b
where a.emp_id = b.emp_id(+)
and b.emp_id is null
I believe this accomplishes the same thing as "not exists".
Message was edited by:
user631136