Difference between SQL and T-SQL

SQL (Structured Query Language) is the standard language for managing and manipulating relational databases, enabling operations like querying, updating, and deleting data. T-SQL (Transact-SQL), an extension of SQL developed by Microsoft, adds advanced features and procedural capabilities specifically for SQL Server.

In this article, We will learn about the Difference between SQL and T-SQL in detail.

What is SQL?

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standard programming language used to manage and manipulate relational databases. It is employed for a variety of tasks, including querying data, updating records, inserting new data and deleting data within a database.

SQL is essential for interacting with databases and performing operations on the data stored within them. Below are some SQL commands that are used for communication with databases like storing retrieving manipulating data.

• Data definition language used to create, drop, alter, and truncate in database.
• Data manipulation language used to insert, update and delete data in the database.
• Data control language used for Revoke and grant data.
• Transaction control language used for commit, and rollback data.
• Data Query language used for select data.

Standard SQL ensures compatibility and consistency across different database systems.

What is T-SQL?

TSQL stands for Transact structured Query language which is a Microsoft tool and extension of SQL language. TSQL is mainly used for writing an entire program of block function procedure that defines how things need to be complete and creating an application in which each application sends transact query over SQL server and there is no interaction with the database.

It executes as a whole block with the extension of SQL language. There are different types of T-SQL functions are used in T-SQL :

• Scalar function
• Ranking function
• Aggregate function
• Rowset function

T-SQL (Transact-SQL) is an extension of SQL developed by Microsoft for use with SQL Server. It includes additional features such as:

• Procedural Programming: T-SQL supports variables, loops, and conditional statements.
• Error Handling: Includes TRY...CATCH blocks for managing errors.
• Built-in Functions: Offers additional functions and system stored procedures beyond standard SQL.

T-SQL Functions

SQL Server. It includes additional functions and capabilities not found in standard SQL. Some key T-SQL functions include:

• GETDATE(): Returns the current date and time.
• DATEADD(): Adds a specified time interval to a date.
• DATEDIFF(): Returns the difference between two dates.
• ISNULL(): Replaces NULL with a specified value.
• ROW_NUMBER(): Assigns a unique sequential integer to rows within a partition of a result set.

Difference between SQL and T-SQL

Which is Better to Learn?

The choice between learning T-SQL and standard SQL depends on your goals and the database systems you work with:

• Learn Standard SQL if you aim to work with multiple database systems (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite) or need a strong foundation in SQL concepts applicable universally.
• Learn T-SQL if you are specifically working with Microsoft SQL Server and need to leverage its advanced features and procedural capabilities.

For a well-rounded skill set, learning both can be beneficial, starting with standard SQL for a broad understanding and then focusing on T-SQL for Microsoft SQL Server-specific tasks.

Conclusion

While SQL provides a universal framework for database operations, T-SQL offers specialized features for Microsoft SQL Server. Learning both allows for broad database management skills and advanced functionalities tailored to SQL Server.