To get the most out of the mounds of data they collect, many businesses must become versed in a programming language known as SQL. Here’s everything you should know about using SQL to access and manipulate data.
What is SQL?
SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a programming language that’s used to communicate with and manipulate databases. Businesses and other organizations use SQL programs to access and manipulate the information and data in their databases and create and alter new tables.
What is a database?
To fully understand SQL, you must be familiar with databases. A database is a tool for collecting and organizing information. Databases can store information about people, products, orders or anything else.
Many databases start in a word processing program or spreadsheet. As databases get larger, many businesses find it helpful to transfer them to a database management system.
Key Takeaway
SQL programs access and manipulate data stored in databases for user analysis.
When to use SQL
Organizations use SQL when they need help controlling the information stored in databases and retrieving the specific data they want.
Although SQL is a simple programming language, it’s very powerful. SQL can insert, modify and delete data in database tables. SQL can also modify the database structure by creating, changing and deleting tables and other database objects.
SQL uses a set of commands to manipulate data. Here are some examples:
- SQL INSERT: Adds data to database tables
- SQL SELECT: Retrieves data from database tables
- SQL UPDATE: Modifies existing database records
- SQL DELETE: Removes data from database tables
- SQL CREATE: Defines new tables and database objects
- SQL ALTER: Changes the structure of existing tables and objects
- SQL DROP: Deletes tables and other database objects
With so many companies relying on big data analytics to drive their direction, SQL experience is one of the most in-demand career skills for IT job candidates.
Did You Know?
Big data and customer relationship management (CRM) tools go hand in hand. Advanced CRM tools can help small business users by providing essential data when it matters most.
The MySQL database management system
Many companies use a database management system with built-in SQL instead of writing SQL for their databases. MySQL, managed by Oracle, is one of the most popular SQL database management systems currently available.
What is MySQL?
MySQL is a sophisticated and powerful relational database used to create and change website content quickly. MySQL is open-source, which means you can download and use it for free. However, Oracle also offers commercial editions of MySQL with additional features and support.
When is MySQL used?
MySQL can be used for various applications, including data warehousing, e-commerce and logging. However, it’s often found on web servers.
Examples of widely used MySQL systems
Many of the world’s largest and best-known brands — including Facebook, Google and Adobe — rely on MySQL to make their websites function correctly. In addition to MySQL, several other open-source SQL database management systems are available, including PostgreSQL, Firebird and MariaDB.
Benefits of SQL
SQL is a popular programming language for managing and sharing data. Although it has some drawbacks, such as a clunky interface and cost inefficiencies, the advantages tend to outweigh the disadvantages. If you’re unsure whether to use SQL for your data, consider the following benefits:
- SQL is portable. SQL can be used on PCs, servers, business laptops and some mobile devices. It runs on local internet and intranet systems. Its portability makes it a convenient option; users can transfer it from one device to another.
- SQL processes queries quickly. No matter how much data you have, SQL can retrieve the information you need quickly and efficiently. It can also insert, delete and manipulate data relatively quickly. Fast query processing saves time while ensuring accuracy, so you won’t waste hours waiting for your data or sharing it with others.
- SQL doesn’t require coding skills. SQL is designed to be user-friendly and does not require extensive coding skills. Unlike traditional programming languages, which involve complex syntax and logic, SQL uses straightforward commands — like SELECT, INSERT INTO and UPDATE — to interact with databases. This simplicity makes SQL accessible to users who don’t have a deep programming background.
- SQL provides multiple data views. With SQL, you can give different users various views of the database’s structure and content.
- SQL has open-source code. MySQL, MariaDB and PostgreSQL offer free SQL databases that large communities can use at a low cost.
- SQL is used by major database management system vendors. Most major database management systems — such as those from IBM, Oracle and Microsoft — use SQL. SQL’s accessibility is an excellent benefit.
- SQL is highly interactive. Even if you fully understand SQL, you might wonder if others can read and interpret the data. Thankfully, SQL is an interactive language for all users, so you don’t have to worry about miscommunication.
SQL history
Here are some notable events in SQL’s history:
- SQL’s inception: IBM researchers Raymond Boyce and Donald Chamberlin developed the SQL programming language in the 1970s. The language, known then as SEQUEL, was created following Edgar Frank Codd’s paper “A Relational Model of Data for Large Shared Data Banks.” In his paper, Codd proposed that all data in a database be represented in relations. Based on this idea, Boyce and Chamberlin came up with SQL.
- Early usage: In Oracle Quick Guides (Cornelio Books, 2013), author Malcolm Coxall wrote that the original version of SQL was designed to manipulate and retrieve data stored in System R, IBM’s original relational database management system.
- Commercial release: In 1979, a company called Relational Software, which later became Oracle, commercially released its own version of SQL, called Oracle V2.
- Modern SQL: Since then, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization have deemed SQL the standard language in relational database communication. While major SQL vendors modify the language to their desires, most base their SQL programs on the ANSI-approved version.
Did You Know?
Oracle is known for more than its premier database solution. Its extensive certification programs include some of the best networking certifications, the best IT certifications and the best programming certifications.
Adding an asset to your business’s data management
SQL remains a foundational technology in database management, offering powerful capabilities to access, manipulate and organize data. There are many benefits of using this programming language. In particular, its portability and ease of use make it a versatile tool for managing data across various platforms and devices. Hiring employees with SQL knowledge and experience can ultimately revolutionize how you view, analyze and make business decisions from your data.
Shayna Waltower and Sean Peek contributed to this article.
