The SQL Server Training Series: What Is SQL And What Is It Used For?

Fifteen years ago, we did have websites, but they did not have the kind of content we are used to seeing today. I still remember the time when we used modems to connect to the internet and one had to wait several minutes for a single image to load. Today, there are more than 600 million websites on the internet, and each of these websites has tons of content – content which is handled through databases.

SQL or Structured Query Language is a programming language that was created for databases. Its usage includes editing information so that it can be effectively stored in the database management system. SQL can organize data in files and tables that are related through a common field. One of the reasons why organizations urge their employees to get SQL server training is that the training helps them organize data, as well as modify the structure of the database system.

Learning about the History of SQL

The history of SQL dates back to 1969. During that time, IBM researcher Edgar F. Codd defined the relational database model, which is what eventually led us to SQL language. Relational database model means having a piece of information that is associated with different data. Sometime later, IBM extended Codd’s work and began to work on a new language for relational database management systems.

At first, it was named SEQUEL (Structured English Query Language), but the name was later changed to SQL. SQL was tested in 1978, after which IBM started developing commercial products like SQL/DS and DB2. In 1979, a company known as Relational Software, which later became Oracle, studied SQL, realized that it had a lot of potential and then released their own version, known as Oracle V2.

Today, SQL offers flexibility because of its distributed databases that can work on different systems simultaneously. Today, SQL, which is certified by ANSI and ISO is used extensively on database application that we have available today. Not only is it helping organizations out, but it is helping the academic world as well. A lot of work has been done on SQL, which has made it affordable. Today, there are several SQL database solutions available, like SQLite, MySQL, Firebird, and PostgreSQL.

Since its inception, SQL has seen a number of changes that have made it much more efficient. Today, it can support XML, standardized sequences, regular expression matching, and recursive queries. In most of the cases, the database is not defined and it is up to the vendor to decide how the database will behave.

Learning about SQL Language Elements

SQL has several elements, but for the ease of the users, all necessary language commands in the database are executed with the help of command line interface (CLI).

• Clauses – These are components of the queries and the statements.
• Expressions – They can produce tables and values that consist of data.
• Predicates – These specify conditions that change the program flow.
• Queries – It helps to retrieve data, based on given criteria.
• Statements – They can help in controlling sessions, transactions, program flow, diagnostics, and connections. They are also used to send queries from a client program to the server where data is stored. The server then processes the SQL statements and returns it to the client.

Uses Of SQL Today

Today, we are storing and processing more data than ever. These databases help with customer information, websites, as well as records of vendors. If companies want to turn raw data into meaningful information, it is important to learn about databases, and this is where SQL comes in handy. By now you know that it helps in creating and managing data. Let’s have a look at some of the other uses of SQL:

Data Definition

SQL allows users to create schemas, indexes, new databases, stored procedures, tables, domains, and character sets. Other than this, it also allows to modify the database, delete files, and remove things. DDL or Data Definition Language helps in accomplishing all the above mentioned tasks.

Data Manipulation

After defining the data, the next step is to manage it. The Data Manipulation Language (DML) helps SQL in updating, inserting, and deleting records from the database. However, it is important you know that DML can only alter data in the database.

Data Control

Data control is very important for companies that have sensitive information which is of utmost importance. In order to make sure that your data remains safe, SQL allows you to control who can access the database, with the help of Data Control Language (DCL).

Database Transaction Management

Sometimes, the simplest of changes can corrupt the data, which leaves it useless. This is the reason why it is important to maintain the data. SQL has Transaction Control Language (TCL) that will let you make changes with the help of DML statements. Not only can you save transactions permanently, but thanks to SQL, you can also find out the points in the transaction that can help you to restore the database in case of any error or issue.

These are not the only uses of SQL, it is gaining momentum and due to the constant updates, it can help you see results that will make your life extremely easy.

Learning SQL

If you are thinking about enrolling in an SQL server training program, you will be pleased to know that it is easily picked up by beginners. Some of the tutorials that will help you out include:

• Learn SQL program
• SQLcourse.com 
• W3Schools SQL Tutorial

Job Prospects After Learning SQL

Today, a large number of jobs available in the market require SQL knowledge. Here are some of the jobs that you can consider for yourself if you have SQL skills:

• Backend developer
• Data analyst
• Data scientist
• Database administrator (DBA)

If you want to pursue any of these career paths, we recommend SQL server training from QuickStart.