php / mysql query one table and update second table -

a bit difficult explain one. have table of transactions contains multiple entries of names. want scan table , create unique entry each name in second table. instance table 1 contains :-

john smith pete jones sue james john smith john smith pete jones sue james john smith

after query want table 2 contain:-

john smith pete jones sue james

thanks advice

you got use distinct keyword in sql. selects distinct values.

select distinct name table_1  

and retrieve unique names. , have loop through in search result , insert statement insert new table.