The Structured Query Language (SQL) is a language used for manipulating records in databases, such as updating records, inserting records, deleting records, creating and modifying tables and views. The SQL language is not a database system, but instead a query language. Consider the situation where you would like to perform SQL queries on stored information in a database. In order to run your systems, you must install any database management system you choose, for instance, Oracle, MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, DB2.
What is SQL?
SQL is short for structured query language; it is sometimes pronounced See-Quell. Data management systems use this database language primarily for maintaining relational databases. It is an application that is used by data professionals to manage structured data (data that is stored in tables). Also, it is designed for RDSMS stream processing.
It is extremely easy to create and manipulate the database, to access and modify the table rows and columns, and so on. Since 1986, this query language has been standardized by ANSI and ISO. If you’re interested in working in data science, you should learn this query language. Backend data is stored in SQL by large companies like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Why use SQL?
It is a useful tool for companies that use data (hint: most of them do). Here are some examples and reasons to adopt SQL.
- SQL is safer than Excel since users are less likely to accidentally delete or corrupt your data
- You can manage datasets with thousands of records using SQL
- Multiple users can access the same database seamlessly with SQL
- You can control the visibility of sensitive data by using role-based authorizations
- A powerful data visualization tool is provided by SQL
- Your data is always accurate and consistent with SQL because it enforces data integrity
How does SQL work?
After an SQL query has been written and run, it is processed by the ‘query language processor’ which includes a parser and query optimizer. The SQL server then compiles the processed query into three stages:
1. Parsing: This is the process of checking the syntax of the query.
2. Binding: In this step, query semantics are verified before the query is executed.
3. Optimization: The final step generates a query execution plan. A query execution plan that runs in the shortest possible time is the objective here. The better the results, the shorter the SQL query response time. Several combinations of plans are generated to come up with a practical end execution plan.
How to Use SQL
An application might be written in Python, PHP, or Ruby, but databases cannot understand these languages. Historically, databases only understood Sequel (although this has changed significantly in recent years). Therefore, if you plan to work in web development or app development, you should learn SQL.
In the same way as other programming languages, SQL uses its own markup. A programmer must therefore learn SQL markup in order to use it effectively. Besides markup, tables are another feature unique to database programming. A database may consist of several tables. A table has a set of columns and rows and represents a set of data.
History of SQL
“A Relational Model of Data for Large Shared Data Banks” was published in 1970 by the great computer scientist “E.F. Codd”.
Raymond Boyce and Donald Chamberlin originally developed SEQUEL (Structured English Query Language) after learning it from E.F. Codd. The SQL was developed at the San Jose Research Laboratory of IBM Corporation in 1970 by both of them.
Relational Software Inc. developed their own first SQL in the 1970s using the concepts of E.F. Codd, Raymond Boyce, and Donald Chamberlin. Totally based on RDBMS, this SQL was written. In June 1979, Relational Software Inc., now known as Oracle Corporation, introduced their Oracle V2 database, which is the first implementation of SQL language. Oracle V2 runs on VAX computers.
Final Thoughts
The SQL language is a powerful tool for managing data in databases. In addition to being widely used across various industries, it is an essential tool for anyone working with large amounts of data. You have learned the basics of SQL with this SQL tutorial. Practice will enable you to become proficient in SQL and manage your data efficiently.