Glossary · Database

SQL

Structured Query Language–the standard programming language for managing and querying relational databases.

SQL (Structured Query Language) is the standard language for interacting with relational database management systems (RDBMS). It encompasses several sub-languages: DDL (Data Definition Language) for creating and modifying structures, DML (Data Manipulation Language) for querying and modifying data, DCL (Data Control Language) for permissions, and TCL (Transaction Control Language) for transaction management. SQL supports complex operations including joins across multiple tables, aggregations, subqueries, window functions, common table expressions (CTEs), and set operations. While the SQL standard (ISO/IEC 9075) defines core syntax, each database vendor adds proprietary extensions.

Fig — every answer ships with the tables, rows and SQL behind it.