Is SQL a programming language?

Yes, SQL(Structured Query Language) is a programming language. you can use it to access, manipulate and retrieve the stored data in a relational database. For example, did you ever try to explore where all the data get stored when you fill out a signup form on any website? All your information gets stored in a database. That data is queried in the database using SQL.

Introduction

The Structured query language is abbreviated as SQL or S.Q.L. It is used to organise or manage the data in a relational database(RDBMS).

RDBMS(Relational Database Management System) is a widely used and very common type of database management system. In a relational database, data is stored in a structured or organized format. Also, the relationship between variables and their entities is stored or managed as rows and columns of tables.

SQL is a declarative language, which means that you specify what you want to achieve, rather than specifying how to do it. For example, you might use SQL to specify that you want to retrieve all rows from a table where the value in a certain column is greater than a certain number, but you don’t need to specify how to scan the table or how to compare the values. The database management system (DBMS) takes care of these details for you.

Is SQL a programming language or software? SQL has vocabulary, certain variables, and a proper syntax same as in other programming languages. So, yes it is a programming language. the above question arises because SQL is domain-specific. thus it is different from other general-purpose languages (GPL). Besides, SQL helps to communicate with servers and databases to retrieve and manipulate data. but, it is not capable of developing an application. Thus, raising the above question or confusion.

Is SQL similar to python or R?

R is also a programming language. You can use it for graphical visualization and mathematical and statistical computation. However, you can use it for data visualization and analysis also. So, it is very much similar to SQL.

SQL has its use in accessing and retrieving data from the RDBMS. on contrary, Python is used to manipulate and analyse the data using various computation methods. So, they are very different.

If you consider SQL as a tool, it is very tough to learn than python programming. However, as a language, simple syntax and very few concepts of SQL make it easier to learn it as compared to python.

Similarly, SQL is not a general-purpose programming language like Python or Java, it is an essential tool for interacting with relational databases and is considered a fundamental skill for many software developers and data analysts. It is also used to create and modify the structure of databases, as well as to manage and manipulate the data stored in them.

Commands of SQL

If you go into detail, you get to know that SQL is primarily categorised into three languages based on its use. those are data definition, modification and control languages. Further, for your knowledge, there is one additional language named Transactional Control Language(TCL).

Introduction to Data Definition Language(DDL)

DDL is a subset of SQL. It deals with the dataset schemas(representation of data) and descriptions. By the name you can get that it is used to define the format of data. Let’s explore some commands of DDL :

• CREATE – to view a table or other objects in the database or to create a new table. you can use this command.
• ALTER – to modify any object of the database, we use ALTER command. example Table of data.
• DROP – As the name, it is used to delete any object of the table or the entire table.
• TRUNCATE – This is the command used to remove all records even spaces from a table.
• COMMENT – this command is simply used to add comments.
• RENAME – This command has its use when you have to rename any object of the database.

Introduction to Data Manipulation Language(DML)

Let me introduce you to another subset of SQL, DML. It is used to store, modify, fetch, delete and update the data of any database. Some commands of DML are:

• SELECT – fetch records from one or more tables.
• INSERT – used to create a record
• UPDATE – modifies the record or data
• DELETE – This command deletes the records

MERGE, CALL and LOCK TABLE are some more commands of DML.

Introduction to Data Control Language(DCL)

One more subset of SQL related to providing permissions, rights or any other controls of the database is DCL.

• GRANT – this command grants permission or privilege to users
• REVOKE – this is responsible for removing granted privileges from a user.

Introduction to Transaction Control Language(TCL)

Now TCL contains the command related to transaction control. This ensures that the database remains in a consistent state, even if an error occurs during the transaction. some common TCL commands include:

• COMMIT – This command is very crucial as it is used to commit transactions.
• ROLLBACK – In case of any discrepancy or error this command is used to rollback that transaction
• SAVEPOINT – This command is used to create savepoints into groups of transactions. so that if someone wants to roll back data again, it can be done using that points.
• SET TRANSACTION – It is used to specify the characteristics of transactions.

TCL commands are an important part of SQL and are used to ensure the consistency and integrity of the data in a database. They are commonly used in applications that require multiple database operations to be performed as a single unit of work. Such as online banking systems and e-commerce websites.

Conclusion

Hence, this is true that SQL is a programming language, not software. Instead, it is different from general programming languages. SQL is a specialized programming language used for managing and manipulating data in relational databases. It is an important tool for many professionals in the field of computer science and data management.

In my opinion, if you want to learn SQL then it is very easy to learn. You have to learn about its syntax and some basic commands. In addition to this, learn a few important widely used functions in SQL. As there is a very high demand for SQL in the market. Most of the giant companies use SQL to store their information in a structured format. You will be ready to use it for data analysis and storing the information. So, now you know why the answer to the question in the title is yes.