Setting default value equal to parent's value I have a table of categories.  Each category has a parent category (other than the root category) and a color.  I currently have parent set as a FK referring to the key of the same table.

Is there a way to set default color equal to the parent's color?  I've tried setting it up as an after insert trigger or a default constraint, but I'm having issues with self reference in the query itself.  I have a feeling I'm just not 100% understanding how to do it as an inner join.
"Redundant" information is a no-no in 'proper' schema design.  The "right" way to solve your problem is to leave NULL in the child and reach for the parent's color in the SELECTs.  (See the COALESCE function and LEFT JOIN to avoid stumbling in the root category.)