Posted on 10/24/2024 by Niko Venev
Structured Query Language (SQL) has become synonymous with database management for many professionals. It offers a convenient way for corporate data analysts, developers, and researchers alike to retrieve and manipulate data effectively. But despite its ubiquity, beginners are often confounded by aspects of SQL, including what it means and what it does.
Live SQL Instructor-led Courses |
||
Course Title | Length | Price (USD) |
SQL Querying - Basic | 2 days | $1,010 |
SQL Querying - Advanced | 1 day | $505 |
SQL Querying Combo (Basic & Advanced) | 3 days | $1,380 |
Professional Azure SQL Database Administration | 3 days | $1,900 |
Administering Microsoft SQL Server Databases | 5 days | $2,985 |
MySQL Workbench: Data Modeling & Development | 4 days | Teams Only |
Self-Paced SQL eLearning |
||
Course Title | Length | Price (USD) |
SQL Querying eLearning Bundle | 7 courses | $600 |
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. Its original name was SEQUEL, and "SQL" is still commonly pronounced as "sequel" by programming professionals today. This language enables users to access, update, and organize data within a database, making it indispensable for anyone involved in data analysis or development. Learning SQL opens doors to working with a variety of technologies, including data processing systems, full-text search engines, and even mobile apps.
While SQL is indeed a programming language, it is designed specifically for managing data. Unlike general-purpose languages, SQL's unique structure makes it ideal for database manipulation and management. With unique dialects or sub-languages tailored to various applications, SQL has a flexible structure that allows it to adapt to specific systems while maintaining a universal language framework.
T-SQL, or Transact-SQL, is an extension of SQL developed by Microsoft for managing and querying databases in SQL Server. T-SQL adds additional functions to standard SQL, allowing users to write more complex queries, control flow statements, and handle error-checking and transaction management in database systems. For those working with Microsoft SQL Server, understanding what T-SQL is and how it works can be essential, as it allows for deeper customization and control within that environment.
PL/SQL, short for Procedural Language/SQL, is Oracle's extension to SQL, specifically created for Oracle Database. While SQL handles queries and standard data manipulation, PL/SQL allows for procedural programming, enabling users to create stored procedures, functions, and triggers, which are essential for automating tasks and managing complex logic in database applications. Understanding SQL alongside PL/SQL is valuable for those working with Oracle databases, as it allows for both data manipulation and the creation of customized, functional database operations.
Through SQL programming, users can perform a wide array of database management tasks. Beyond simple data retrieval, SQL allows for adding, modifying, and deleting data within tables and databases. SQL also powers essential technical functions like data analysis, storage, and search capabilities. It's valuable for optimizing and maintaining websites or applications, ensuring efficient and organized database performance.
With SQL, you can:
There's a common misconception that SQL itself is a database, but that's not the case. In fact, SQL is a programming language used to manage relational databases, which are structured collections of tables with rows and columns that display relationships among data sets. Through SQL queries, users access, edit, and organize this structured information within a database.
An SQL query is a command or instruction sent to a database. For example, a user might query a database to retrieve customer records based on specific criteria or update entries with new information. Learning to write effective queries takes practice, which is why beginners often benefit from formal training to build their SQL skills.
At Certstaffix Training, we know how intimidating programming languages can be for beginners. That's why we've created a variety of professionally designed SQL training courses to help people learn the fundamentals more easily. Our courses are taught by a live instructor and are separated by skill level and topic to make it convenient for students to find the perfect course for their needs. Sign up today to become fluent in this important programming language!