SQL is an important standard language used to manage and analyze data in relational databases.
Let’s understand the full form of SQL and its key capabilities.
What Does SQL Stand For?
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a standard programming language designed for managing data in relational database management systems (RDBMS).
The standard syntax of SQL provides consistent keywords and commands to access and manipulate database data.
Key Capabilities of SQL:
- DQL – Data query language to retrieve records or data
- DDL – Data definition language to create and modify database structures
- DML – Data manipulation language for inserting, updating and deleting data
- DCL – Data control language handling permissions and access
- TCL – Transaction control statements like COMMIT, ROLLBACK etc.
Types of SQL Statements:
- SELECT – Retrieves data from one or more tables
- INSERT – Creates new records in a table
- UPDATE – Modifies existing records in a table
- DELETE – Removes records from a table
- CREATE – Defines a new table, index, view etc.
In summary, SQL allows developers and analysts to efficiently manage databases using simple English-like syntax.
It is widely used across domains given the ubiquity of relational databases.