Structured Query Language - Part 1

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Last updated: Aug 01, 2023
2 min read

BLUF - Bottom Line up Front

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a programming language used for managing and manipulating data stored in relational databases. It is widely used by database administrators and developers to create, modify, and manage databases and retrieve data from them.

SQL allows users to insert, update, delete, and query data stored in a database. It provides a set of commands for creating and managing database objects such as tables, indexes, and views. It also allows users to control user access and permissions to database objects.

SQL is used in various industries such as finance, healthcare, education, and e-commerce to efficiently manage and analyze large amounts of data. It is considered a standard language for relational databases and is supported by many popular database management systems such as MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server.

In this section, you will learn the basics of Structured Query Language (SQL). SQL, which is pronounced S-Q-L or sequel, is composed of commands that enable users to create database and table structures, perform various types of data manipulation and data administration, and query the database to extract useful information. All relational DBMS software supports SQL, and many software vendors have developed extensions to the basic SQL command set.

Although it is quite useful and powerful, SQL is not meant to stand alone in the applications arena. Data entry with SQL is possible but awkward, as are data corrections and additions. SQL itself does not create menus, special report forms, overlays, pop-ups, or other features that end users usually expect. Instead, those features are available as vendor-supplied enhancements. SQL focuses on data definition (creating tables and indexes) and data manipulation (adding, modifying, deleting, and retrieving data). The most common task for SQL programmers is data retrieval. The ability to retrieve data from a database to satisfy business requirements is one of the most critical skills for database professionals. This chapter covers data retrieval in considerable detail.