What is SQL?

Last Updated : 01 Aug, 2025

Structured Query Language (SQL) is the standard language used to interact with relational databases.

Allows users to store, retrieve, update, and manage data efficiently through simple commands.
Known for its user-friendly syntax and powerful capabilities, SQL is widely used across industries.

How Does SQL Work?

We interact with databases using SQL queries.
SQL Engine breaks down, optimizes and executes these queries efficiently
DBMS tools like MySQL and SQL Server have their own SQL engine and an interface where users can write and execute SQL queries..

Below are the detailed steps involved in the SQL query execution.

Input: The user submits a query (e.g., SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) via an application or interface.
Parsing: The query processor breaks the query into parts (tokens) and checks for syntax and schema correctness.
Optimization: The optimizer finds the most efficient way to run the query using indexes, statistics, and available resources.
Execution: The execution engine runs the query using the chosen plan, accessing or modifying the database as needed.
Output: Results are returned to the user — either data (for SELECT) or a success message (for other operations).

Key Components of a SQL System

Databases : A database is a structured collection of data. It organizes data into tables, which are like spreadsheets with rows (records) and columns (fields) .
Tables: Each table enforces rules and relationships among its columns for data integrity.
Indexes: Indexes speed up queries by allowing the database to quickly locate data without scanning the entire table.
Views: A view is a virtual table—basically a saved SELECT statement you can query like a table.
Stored Procedures: These are pre-written SQL scripts stored inside the database. They can receive inputs, run complex logic, and return results boosting performance, reusability, and security.
Transactions: A transaction groups multiple SQL operations into a single unit. It ensures all changes are applied successfully or none are, preserving data integrity (ACID properties)
Security & Permissions: SQL includes tools to restrict access, letting DBAs assign who can do what whether it's accessing tables, executing procedures, or changing structures.
Joins: Joins combine data from multiple tables based on relationships essential for querying across related datasets.

Rules for Writing SQL Queries

There are certain rules for SQL which would ensure consistency and functionality across databases. By following these rules, queries will be well formed and well executed in any database.

End with Semicolon (;): Each SQL statement must end with a semicolon to execute properly.
Case Insensitivity: SQL keywords (e.g., SELECT, INSERT) are not case-sensitive. However, table/column names may be case-sensitive depending on the DBMS.
Whitespace Allowed: Queries can span multiple lines, but use spaces between keywords and names.
Reserved Words: Avoid using SQL keywords as names. If needed, wrap them in quotes (" ") or backticks (`).

Comments

Single-line: -- comment
Multi-line: /* comment */

Data Constraints: Use NOT NULL, UNIQUE, PRIMARY KEY, etc., to ensure data accuracy.

String Values: Enclose strings in single quotes ('text').

Naming Rules:

Start with a letter
Max 30 characters
Only use letters, numbers, and underscores (_)

What are Different SQL Commands or Queries?

Structured Query Language (SQL) commands are standardized instructions used by developers to interact with data stored in relational databases. These commands allow for the creation, manipulation, retrieval and control of data, as well as database structures. SQL commands are categorized based on their specific functionalities:

1. Data Definition Language

These commands are used to define the structure of database objects by creating, altering, and dropping the database objects. Based on the needs of the business, database engineers create and modify database objects using DDL. The CREATE command, for instance, is used by the database engineer to create database objects like tables, views, and indexes.

Command	Description
CREATE	Creates a new table, a view on a table, or some other object in the database.
ALTER	Modifies an existing database object, such as a table
DROP	Deletes an entire table, a view of a table, or other objects in the database

2. Data Manipulation Language

A relational database can be updated with new data using data manipulation language (DML) statements. The INSERT command, for instance, is used by an application to add a new record to the database.

Command	Description
INSERT	Creates a record.
UPDATE	Modifies records.
DELETE	Deletes records.

3. Data Query Language

Data retrieval instructions are written in the data query language (DQL), which is used to access relational databases. The SELECT command is used by software programs to filter and return particular results from a SQL table.

4. Data Control language

DCL commands manage user access to the database by granting or revoking permissions. Database administrators use DCL to enforce security and control access to database objects.

Command	Description
GRANT	Gives a privilege to the user.
REVOKE	Takes back privileges granted by the user.

5. Transaction Control Language

TCL commands manage transactions in relational databases, ensuring data integrity and consistency. These commands are used to commit changes or roll back operations in case of errors.

Command	Description
COMMIT	Saves all changes made during the current transaction on a permanent basis. Some databases provide an auto-commit feature, which can be configured using settings.
ROLLBACK	Reverts changes made during the current transaction, ensuring no unwanted changes are saved.
SAVEPOINT	Sets a point within a transaction to which changes can be rolled back, allowing partial rollbacks

Benefits of SQL

Efficiency: SQL is designed to handle complex queries and large datasets with optimal performance, making data retrieval and manipulation seamless.
Standardization: As an ANSI and ISO standard language, SQL provides a universal method to interact with relational databases across platforms.
Scalability: SQL supports databases ranging from small-scale applications to enterprise-level systems, ensuring smooth operations regardless of size.
Flexibility: SQL can be extended with procedural programming (e.g., PL/SQL, T-SQL) to build complex business logic and custom functions.

Limitations of SQL

Complexity in Advanced Operations: Advanced functionalities such as indexing, query optimization and performance tuning require in-depth technical knowledge.
Scalability Concerns: SQL performs best with structured data; handling unstructured data or massive distributed systems can pose challenges.
Platform-Specific Variations: While SQL is standardized, many databases implement unique extensions, leading to portability and compatibility issues.
Lack of Real Time Analytics: Traditional SQL databases are not optimized for real-time data ingestion and analysis.

SQL Use Cases