What is SQL?

• SQL stands for Structured Query Language.
• It is the language used to communicate with a database.
• With SQL, you can create, read, update, and delete data in a database.

Simple analogy:

• Think of SQL as the language you use to ask your digital filing cabinet to give you the files you want.

Role of SQL in Databases

SQL is used to:

1. Create new tables and databases.
2. Read data from tables (search, filter, and sort).
3. Update existing data.
4. Delete unwanted data.

SQL and Relational Database Tools

SQL is mainly used with relational databases, which store data in tables with rows and columns.

Common tools that use SQL:

• MySQL → popular open-source database
• PostgreSQL → powerful, open-source, supports advanced features
• Oracle → enterprise-grade, widely used in big companies