Can it be done in SQL

I want to insert some rows into a detail table. The question is how can I, in SQL, create line numbers for the rows being inserted without hardcoding them? I could probalby do it with a stored procedure but would prefer using SQL. For example I want the_line_number to be incremented for each row os that line_no is a valid line_no. EXAMPLE: insert into line_no, col1, col2 select the_line_number, table.col1, table.col2 from table where col2 = "a" Please reply via email if you can. Thanks, Toby Denbow tdenbow@mathworks.com == Toby Denbow ========================= tdenbow@mathworks.com == The MathWorks, Inc. info@mathworks.com 24 Prime Park Way http://www.mathworks.com Natick, MA 01760-1500 ftp.mathworks.com ==== Tel: 508-647-7243 ==========================================