What is SQL and Why It’s Used? Discover the Top Companies That Depend on SQL

What is SQL?

In What is SQL : it is a Structured Query Language, or SQL (pronounced as “sequel” or “S-Q-L”), is a standardized programming language which is used to interact with the databases. Since its inception in the 1970s, SQL has become the foundation for many database management systems (DBMS), enabling users to execute a wide range of operations on data stored in relational database systems (RDBMS).

Historical Context

SQL was initially developed at IBM by Donald D. Chamberlin and Raymond F. Boyce in the early 1970s, based on Edgar F. Codd’s relational model. The language was originally called SEQUEL (Structured English Query Language) before it was renamed SQL due to trademark issues. The first commercial implementation of SQL was released by Relational Software, Inc. (now Oracle Corporation) in 1979.

Why is SQL Used?

SQL is widely used because of its powerful capabilities and flexibility in handling large volumes of data. Here are some key reasons why SQL is an indispensable tool in the data industry:

1. Data Manipulation: SQL allows users to perform various operations on the data, such as inserting, updating, deleting, and retrieving data from a database.
2. Data Definition: SQL provides commands for defining and modifying the structure of database objects like tables, indexes, and views.
3. Data Control: SQL includes commands for controlling access to data, ensuring security and consistency.
4. Data Integrity: SQL supports constraints and triggers that help maintain the accuracy and integrity of data.
5. Transaction Management: SQL supports transaction controls, which ensure that a series of operations are executed in a reliable and consistent manner.

Which Companies Using SQL

SQL is a cornerstone technology for many of the world’s largest companies across various industries. Some of the most notable companies that rely heavily on SQL include:

1. Facebook: Uses SQL-based databases to manage its vast amount of user data and support its complex social networking platform.
2. Google: Employs SQL for various services, including YouTube and Google Analytics, to manage large-scale data operations.
3. Amazon: Utilizes SQL in its data warehousing solutions and for managing customer data in Amazon Web Services (AWS).
4. Microsoft: SQL Server, a popular RDBMS developed by Microsoft, is used extensively in various Microsoft products and services.
5. Apple: Relies on SQL databases to manage data for iCloud, iTunes, and other services.

SQL vs. MySQL

SQL and MySQL are often mentioned together, but they refer to different concepts. SQL is a language used for querying and managing relational databases, while MySQL is an open-source relational database management system that uses SQL as its query language.

1. Origin: SQL is a language, whereas MySQL is a database management system developed by Oracle Corporation.
2. Licensing: SQL is a standard, while MySQL is available under an open-source license, with commercial versions also available.
3. Usage: SQL is used in various RDBMS like Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and MySQL. MySQL specifically uses SQL as its query language.
4. Features: MySQL offers features like replication, clustering, and partitioning, which are not inherently part of the SQL language but are part of the MySQL RDBMS.

SQL vs. NoSQL

NoSQL (Not Only SQL) databases are designed to handle unstructured and semi-structured data, offering flexibility and scalability that traditional SQL databases may struggle with.

1. Data Model: SQL databases use a structured data model with predefined schemas, while NoSQL databases support various data models like document, key-value, column-family, and graph.
2. Scalability: NoSQL databases are designed for horizontal scalability, distributing data across multiple nodes. SQL databases traditionally scale vertically, requiring more powerful hardware.
3. Consistency: SQL databases provide ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) compliance, ensuring reliable transactions. NoSQL databases may offer eventual consistency, prioritizing availability and partition tolerance.
4. Use Cases: SQL is ideal for applications requiring complex queries and transactions. NoSQL is suitable for applications needing flexible data models, such as content management systems, IoT, and real-time analytics.

Common SQL Commands

Here are some of the most commonly used SQL commands:

• SELECT: Retrieves data from a database SELECT * FROM employees;
• INSERT: Adds new data to a database INSERT INTO employees (name, position, salary) VALUES ('John Doe', 'Manager', 75000);
• UPDATE: Modifies existing data in a database UPDATE employees SET salary = 80000 WHERE name = 'John Doe';
• DELETE: Removes data from a database DELETE FROM employees WHERE name = 'John Doe';
• CREATE TABLE: Creates a new table in a database CREATE TABLE employees ( id INT PRIMARY KEY, name VARCHAR(100), position VARCHAR(50), salary DECIMAL(10, 2) );
• ALTER TABLE: Modifies the structure of an existing table ALTER TABLE employees ADD COLUMN hire_date DATE;
• DROP TABLE: Deletes a table from a database DROP TABLE employees;

Primary Keys

A primary key uniquely identifies each record in a table. It ensures that each record is unique and not null.

Example:

CREATE TABLE employees (
    employee_id INT PRIMARY KEY,
    first_name VARCHAR(50),
    last_name VARCHAR(50)
);

Foreign Keys

A foreign key is a column that creates a relationship between two tables. It ensures that the value in one table matches a value in another table.

Example:

CREATE TABLE orders (
    order_id INT PRIMARY KEY,
    order_date DATE,
    customer_id INT,
    FOREIGN KEY (customer_id) REFERENCES customers(customer_id)
);

Importance Components of What is SQL

Data Query Language (DQL): Used to query the database and retrieve data. The primary command is SELECT.

Data Definition Language (DDL): Defines the structure of the database, including creating, altering, and dropping tables and schemas. Key commands include CREATE, ALTER, and DROP.

Data Manipulation Language (DML): Handles data manipulation, including inserting, updating, and deleting records. Important commands are INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE.

Data Control Language (DCL): Manages access to the data. The main commands are GRANT and REVOKE.

Transaction Control Language (TCL): Manages transactions within the database, ensuring data integrity. Commands include COMMIT, ROLLBACK, and SAVEPOINT.

Subqueries

A subquery is a query nested inside another query. Subqueries can be used in SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE statements.

Example:

SELECT first_name, last_name
FROM employees
WHERE department_id = (SELECT department_id FROM departments WHERE department_name = 'Sales');

SQL Syntax

Understanding the basic SQL syntax is crucial for effective database management. Let’s explore some fundamental SQL commands and their usage.

SELECT Statement

The SELECT statement is the most commonly used SQL command. It retrieves data from one or more tables.

SELECT column1, column2, ...
FROM table_name
WHERE condition;

Example:

SELECT first_name, last_name
FROM employees
WHERE department = 'Sales';

INSERT Statement

The INSERT statement adds new records to a table.

INSERT INTO table_name (column1, column2, ...)
VALUES (value1, value2, ...);

Example:

INSERT INTO employees (first_name, last_name, department)
VALUES ('John', 'Doe', 'Sales');

UPDATE Statement

The UPDATE statement modifies existing records in a table.

UPDATE table_name
SET column1 = value1, column2 = value2, ...
WHERE condition;

Example:

UPDATE employees
SET department = 'Marketing'
WHERE last_name = 'Doe';

DELETE Statement

The DELETE statement removes records from a table.

DELETE FROM table_name
WHERE condition;

Example:

DELETE FROM employees
WHERE last_name = 'Doe';

Advanced SQL Concepts

Beyond the basics, SQL offers a range of advanced features that enable complex data manipulation and analysis.

Joins

Joins are used to combine rows from two or more tables based on related columns. The most common types of joins are:

• INNER JOIN: Returns records with matching values in both tables.
• LEFT JOIN (or LEFT OUTER JOIN): Returns all records from the left table and the matched records from the right table.
• RIGHT JOIN (or RIGHT OUTER JOIN): Returns all records from the right table and the matched records from the left table.
• FULL JOIN (or FULL OUTER JOIN): Returns all records when there is a match in either left or right table.

Example:

SELECT employees.first_name, departments.department_name
FROM employees
INNER JOIN departments
ON employees.department_id = departments.department_id;

Subqueries

A subquery is a query nested inside another query. Subqueries can be used in SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE statements.

Example:

SELECT first_name, last_name
FROM employees
WHERE department_id = (SELECT department_id FROM departments WHERE department_name = 'Sales');

Indexes

Indexes improve the speed of data retrieval operations on a table at the cost of additional storage space and slower writes. Creating an index involves the CREATE INDEX statement.

Example:

CREATE INDEX idx_last_name
ON employees (last_name);

Views

A view is a virtual table based on the result set of an SQL query. Views simplify complex queries and enhance security by restricting access to specific data.

Example:

CREATE VIEW sales_employees AS
SELECT first_name, last_name
FROM employees
WHERE department = 'Sales';

SQL Functions

SQL provides a variety of functions to perform operations on data. These functions can be categorized into aggregate functions and scalar functions.

Aggregate Functions

Aggregate functions operate on a set of values and return a single value. Common aggregate functions include:

• COUNT(): Returns the number of rows.
• SUM(): Returns the sum of a numeric column.
• AVG(): Returns the average value of a numeric column.
• MIN(): Returns the minimum value.
• MAX(): Returns the maximum value.

Top 10 Interview Questions :

1. What is SQL and why is it important in database management?
2. Describe the different components of SQL and their purposes.
3. What is a JOIN in SQL and what are the different types of JOINs?
4. What are aggregate functions in SQL? Provide examples.
5. What is a primary key and why is it important in a database?
6. What is a foreign key and how does it enforce referential integrity?
7. What is Difference between SQL and NOSQL?
8. What is MYSQL?
9. How do you use a subquery in SQL? Provide an example.
10. What is insert, update, delete and select in SQL?

SQL is a cornerstone of modern data management, offering a powerful and versatile language for interacting with relational databases. From its humble beginnings at IBM to its widespread adoption across industries, SQL has proven its robustness and adaptability. By understanding its core components, mastering its syntax, and adopting best practices, you can harness the full potential of What is SQL in your applications. As technology evolves, SQL will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of data management.

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