May
25
2011

SQL – Quick Overview For Beginners

SQL is an abbreviation for Structured Query Language, used for communication with databases. SQL statements can be used for various tasks, including retrieving and updating database data. SQL Guide is used by database management systems like Access, Microsoft SQL Server, Ingres, Sybase, Oracle, and others. While many database systems employ this standard language, they use other proprietary extensions as well.

Tables are a key component of relational database systems. The tables store data or information concerning the database. Each table has a unique name which identifies it and contains rows and columns. The columns have attributes such as data types. Data or records for the columns are contained in the rows. New tables are generated by entering the keyword ‘create table’. Then, table name, open parenthesis, first column name, data type for the column, and closing parenthesis follow.

It is important to use open and closing parenthesis while column definitions are separated with commas. There is no limit to the columns that can be added while constrains are optional. All column names and the table name should start with a letter. Numbers, underscores, and letters can follow, but they should not exceed thirty characters in total. Reserved keywords should not be used for table names or column names.

These include ‘insert’, ‘create’, ‘select’, and others. SQL Guide is divided into a number of language elements: expressions, clauses, predicates, statements and queries. Expressions create tables containing columns and rows or scalar values. Queries are used to retrieve data on the basis of specified criteria. Statements are a main element of SQl language. Statements control connections, program flow, transactions, diagnostics, and sessions. Statements may have a persistent effect on the schema and information. Statements and queries are composed of clauses. Finally, predicates change the program flow, limit the effect of queries and statements, etc. SQL is commonly used in the academia and industry for large and complex databases.

Developed at ABM, it was first called Structured English Query Language (SEQUEL). It was first used for retrieval and manipulation of data. A lot of changes have been made during the years, so that the SQL standard has better functionality. Additional features include recursive queries, regular expression matching, triggers, XML, standardized sequences, and more. Due to the volume of the standard, a number of databases such as MySQL and PostgreSQL, do not use all features. SQL facilitates database access, control, and manipulation.

Developers can create, discard, and change objects thanks to the data definition language statements. Priviliges and roles can be granted or revoked with respect to other database users. DDL examines data related to clusters, indexes, or tables, adding comments to a data dictionary and creating auditing options.

No Comments »

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL

Leave a comment

Powered by WordPress | Aeros Theme | TheBuckmaker.com WordPress Themes