What is SQL or Structured Query Language?

An article by Jorge Reis    2 Comments

A structured query language or SQL is a database language used to retrieve information from a database management system. The SQL is considered as the standardized language for programming, extracting and managing files from the database. The SQL is standardized by both the American National Standardized Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This means that many databases support the SQL. SQL allows users to extract, edit, supplement and remove data from the database. Moreover, the SQL has a call level interface, which allows the user to use the database remotely and have access to the data on the database separately. With the use of an SQL, authorized users can also manage and monitor your database.

The Purpose of Structured Query Language (SQL)

The primary purpose of a SQL is to query data in a database system. The SQL is a declarative language, which allows sets of functionality such as retrieving and deleting data from the database. However, SQL also has extensions which add to the language programming of databases. These extensions include SQL/PSM or the Structured Query Language and Persistent Storing Module, the procedural SQL, and the transact SQL.

How to Use the SQL?

The SQL is primarily used for querying. The most common operation in SQL databases includes the keyword “SELECT”. The keyword “SELECT” extracts data from a specific table in a database. Unlike any keywords used in SQL, the “SELECT” keyword does not have any significant effect on the data in the database. The use of queries in an SQL database is significant to the users because it allows the user to plan and manage the files in the database.

SQL can also be used in manipulating the data. With the use of the SQL, the user can insert, update and remove data from the database. When you use the keyword “INSERT”, you add data in a particular table. If you’re going to use the keyword “UPDATE”, you modify the values set in a table. If you use the keyword “DELETE”, this means that you remove zero or any data on the existing table. The keyword “MERGE”, on the other hand, is the combination of the command “INSERT” and “UPDATE”.

SQL is also used in transaction controls. If you’re going to use the command “COMMIT”, this will cause the data installed in the database to become permanent. On the other hand, if you’re going to use the command “ROLLBACK”, the data will return back to its original state prior to the last “COMMIT” or “ROLLBACK” command. Moreover, users can utilize the SQL in data definition, which allows users to create new tables, and data control.

The Drawbacks of Using SQL

Although SQL is the main component of making databases, this operational language has its drawbacks. The SQL is quite complicated to some users. The queries or languages used are sometimes hard to decipher and often difficult to construct. Moreover, SQL is not compatible with some vendors. That’s why SQL should be applied to compatible softwares only so users can maximize the potentials of this tool.