Week 6 - What is SQL?

“SQL stands for Structured Query Language.  According to American National Standards Institute, it is the standard language for relational database management systems.  It is used as a way to communicate with a database.  SQL statements perform tasks such as update data on a database, or retrieve data from a database.” (What is SQL?)

A database is just a collection of data.  SQL is what is used in order to store and receive that data as efficiently as possible.  Many computer programs, such as blogs or photo galleries, need to store and retrieve data.  Instead of implementing their own system of storing and retrieving data, SQL software systems can be used.  In order to make it easy for other programs to access data, many database software support a computer language known as SQL.  This language was specifically designed for this purpose.  Programs use this language to send it instructions.  An advantage of using software is that you do not have to learn the SQL language.  You just have to learn how to use the specific software and it will code in all the specific language for you. (Heng) This is very beneficial in the working world because there is a very large learning curve when it comes to new languages; especially coding languages.

Here are a few examples of what SQL can do:

·      Execute queries against a database

·      Retrieve data from a database

·      Insert records in a database

·      Delete records from a database

·      Create new databases

·      Create new tables in a database

·      Create stored procedures in a database

·      Create views in a database

·      Set permissions on tables, procedures, and views (Introduction to SQL)

The SQL language makes it very easy for each of these commands to be executed and it is much more efficient than implementing an entirely separate system for storing and recieving data.

References:

Heng, Christopher. "What Is MySQL? What Is a Database? What Is SQL?" Thesitewizardcom RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.

"Introduction to SQL." SQL Introduction. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.

"What Is SQL?" SQLCourse. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.

Comments:

Yijun Qian’s post:  This was a very informative post.  Having worked in the construction firm industry for my first co-op, I understand the importance of using databases in this industry.  Keeping track of information is key, and being able to gather and record certain information is just as important.  Using a database to keep track of all of this data is very efficient and can be beneficial down the road.

Dongyan Qi’s post:  I have had some experience with design work on one of my co-ops and I realize the importance of having everybody on the same page.  Being able to integrate software and recording the documents to save as a background for future use is extremely advantageous and can save a lot of time and money.