SQL : overview

What is SQL?

SQL is a Structured Query Language, which is a computer language for storing, manipulating and retrieving data stored in a relational database.

SQL is the standard language for Relational Database systems. All the Relational Database Management Systems (RDMS) like MySQL, MS Access, Oracle,

The necessity to Learn SQL

The three main reasons to study SQL are:

• Everywhere we use SQL
• All the biggest companies like Uber, Netflix, Airbnb, etc. in technology use SQL. Those companies that have in-built high-performance database systems like Amazon, Google, Facebook, etc. also use SQL to do analysis. SQL is found everywhere though it is old. SQL is used in everything or a derivative of SQL is used in everything.
• The demand for SQL is high
• The first job in data will require SQL for entry-level jobs. In the majority of the ads for jobs, SQL is mentioned more than Python and R. Yes, learning SQL is necessary to be qualified for jobs, it sets us apart from other people who only concentrate on trending technologies.
• SQL is not a dying language
• SQL is a language of choice for data engineers and data scientists. Among other popular technologies like NoSQL, Hadoop, etc. SQL is still one of the important languages not only in the field of data but also in the area of development.

Applications of SQL

The applications of SQL are:

• Scripts for data integration

The database administrators and developers make use of SQL to write data integration scripts.

• Analytical Queries

The setting up and running of analytical queries can be done using structured query language by data analysts.

• Information Retrieval

The subsets of information from a database for analytical applications and transaction processing can be retrieved using a structured query language. Select, update, create, insert, alter, delete, add, etc. are the most commonly used structured query language elements.

• Other applications that are important

The index structures and database tables can be modified using a structured query language. By using this language, addition, updating, modification of data in the database can be done by the users.

Advantages of SQL

SQL is an efficient language for database communication. It has various advantages, some of them are listed below:

1. Simple and easy

One of the things that make SQL a popular choice is that it doesn't require any substantial knowledge about coding and writing programs. SQL has some basic keywords such as, SELECT, INSERT INTO, UPDATE, etc that can carry out tasks. Syntactical rules are also simple and easy to follow.

2. Faster Query Processing

SQL works with an efficient speed. Huge data can be processed in seconds! Querying, manipulating, and calculations on data with analytical queries in a relational database can be done in no time.

3. Standard Language

As already mentioned, SQL is a standardized structured query language approved by ISO and ANSI for relational databases. It's long, detailed and established documentation overs years also stands a strong plus point.

4. Portable

It is highly portable as used in PCs, servers, independent laptops having any operating system such as Windows, Linux, Mac etc. It can also be embedded with other applications.

5. Highly Interactive

As it has simple commands for all purposes, it becomes an interactive language for its users. It easy to understand and the commands are also understandable to the non-programmers.

Disadvantages of SQL

Now let's talk about of the disadvantages of SQL.

1. Poor Interface

SQL has a poor interface as it makes look everything very complex even when it's not! Due to its difficult interfacing, users find it difficult to deal with the databases.

2. Cost Inefficient

SQL Server Standard costs around $1,418/year. The high cost makes it difficult for some programmers to use it.

3. Partial Control

SQL doesn't grant the complete control over databases to its users. This is due to some hidden business rules.

4. Security

Regardless of the SQL version, databases in SQL is constantly under threat as it holds huge amounts of sensitive data.

Conclusion

The broadness and extent of the SQL orders give the ability to make and control a wide assortment of information base items utilizing the different CREATE, ALTER, and DROP orders. Those information base items then, at that point, can be stacked with information utilizing orders like INSERT. The information can be controlled utilizing a wide assortment of orders, like SELECT, DELETE, and TRUNCATE, just as the cursor orders, DECLARE, OPEN, FETCH, and CLOSE. Exchanges to control the information are controlled through the SET order, in addition to the COMMIT and ROLLBACK orders. Lastly, different orders canvassed in this section incorporate those that control a client's admittance to data set assets through orders like GRANT and REVOKE.