SQL Summary
SQL Summary
modifying rows, etc. SQL is an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard
language, but there are many different versions of the SQL language.
What is SQL?
SQL is Structured Query Language, which is a computer language for storing, manipulating and
retrieving data stored in a relational database.
SQL is the standard language for Relational Database System. All the Relational Database
Management Systems (RDMS) like MySQL, MS Access, Oracle, Sybase, Informix, Postgres and
SQL Server use SQL as their standard database language.
Why SQL?
SQL is widely popular because it offers the following advantages −
SQL Process
When you are executing an SQL command for any RDBMS, the system determines the best way
to carry out your request and SQL engine figures out how to interpret the task.
Query Dispatcher
Optimization Engines
Classic Query Engine
SQL Query Engine, etc.
A classic query engine handles all the non-SQL queries, but a SQL query engine won't handle
logical files.
SQL Commands
The standard SQL commands to interact with relational databases are CREATE, SELECT,
INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE and DROP. These commands can be classified into the following
groups based on their nature −
CREATE
1
Creates a new table, a view of a table, or other object in the database.
ALTER
2
Modifies an existing database object, such as a table.
DROP
3
Deletes an entire table, a view of a table or other objects in the database.
DML - Data Manipulation Language
Sr.No. Command & Description
SELECT
1
Retrieves certain records from one or more tables.
INSERT
2
Creates a record.
UPDATE
3
Modifies records.
DELETE
4
Deletes records.
DCL - Data Control Language
Sr.No. Command & Description
GRANT
1
Gives a privilege to user.
REVOKE
2
Takes back privileges granted from user.
SQL (Structured Query Language) is one of the main reasons for the commercial success of
relational databases. The ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and the ISO
(International Standards Organization) developed in 1986 the first SQL-version with the name
SQL-86 or SQL1. In 1992 a second and more extended standard with the name of SQL-92 or
SQL2 was established. The latest standard includes XML, dates from 1999 and is therefore
called SQL-99 or SQL3. With the use of SQL in most commercial database systems the
migration from one system to another has become easier for the user. In the ideal case, the user
need not consider which system is used because query formation in SQL remains the same.
SQL Concepts
SQL is a descriptive, entity-oriented query language for data manipulation with its roots in
relational algebra. Today SQL is used either as a stand-alone programming language or within
other languages like C, C++, Java, ADA, COBOL, FORTRAN, PL/1, PASCAL etc.
DDL - Data Definition Language: Used for creating databases and tables and for
maintaining the structure.
DML - Data Manipulation Language: Used for accessing and extracting data from a
database (add, update, delete etc.).
DCL - Data Control Language: Used to control access to the database and therefore
essential for the security system.