SQL and what is it used for?

SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is the language used to communicate with a database. According to ANSI (American National Standards Institute) it is the standard language for relational database management systems. SQL statements are used to perform tasks such as update data on a database or retrieve data from a database. Some common relational database management systems that use SQL are: Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL Server, Access, Ingres, etc. While most database systems use SQL, most of them also have their own additional proprietary extensions that are usually only used on their system. However, the standard SQL commands such as “Select”, “Insert”, “Update”, “Delete”, “Create”, and “Drop” can be used to accomplish almost everything that one needs to do with a database.

The spread of dynamic websites on the World Wide Web today is largely due to the possibility for their content to be handled through databases. Database management is a complicated process, which has been considerably rationalized by the SQL programming language. As its full name (Structured Query Language) implies, SQL is responsible for querying and editing information stored in a certain database management system. The biggest uses of Structured Query Language (SQL) today have to do with using a long-established conventional language for relational databases with newly emerging enterprise IT environments, like cloud-native systems, virtual networks, etc. Essentially, SQL is used to retrieve data or otherwise interface with a relational database. As a standard, SQL is a popular way to get information out of relational database systems. Relational databases are set up with a particular structure — each record has a series of keys that are linked to one another in consistent ways and placed in a “table” represented visually in a grid. The SQL language is written to comb the contents of tables in a conventional database. SQL is widely used in business and in other types of database administration.

SQL in easy steps

SQL in easy steps, 4th edition, demonstrates SQL features using the current MySQL Relational Database Management System that is supported on both Windows and Linux operating systems. This fourth edition introduces and explores databases, creating database tables, inserting data into tables, data retrieval, data filtering, data manipulation, making complex queries, handling data tables, and more. The manual begins with instructions for how to install a free SQL database server onto your system, prior to describing what SQL is and proceeding to provide a comprehensive explanation of SQL’s application. Each chapter ends with a summary of the contents within the chapter to allow the reader to reflect on and retain the information provided. With its step-by-step approach, the In Easy Steps guide is perfect for anyone approaching SQL for the first time, from web-developers to students and hobbyists.

 SQL in easy steps now available in print, ebook and pdf formats.  Visit relevant ebook store for the ebook version.