No matter whether the application (Web or Mobile) you are developing, maintaining a database is essential to make it a fully functional one. To achieve this, you need to have a nice grip on the โSQL or Sequel programming languageโ. Without it, every application will become ineffective.
If you are a final year student and want to make a complete workable project in your semester, you need to know the SQL programming language better than any other one. However, if you have tried for searching a precise blog on SQL concepts, then your search stops right here.
We have brought an article that will uncover all the details of the SQL. So, fasten your seatbelts to have an awesome journey!
What is SQL or Sequel Programming Language?
The Structured English Query Language (Sequel) or later Structured Query Language (SQL) is not a modern language that is used nowadays. We find the presence of this programming language in the early 1970s. But after standardizing by ANSI 1986 SQL got skyrocketing popularity.
Structured Query Language is used to interact with the databases present in different applications & websites. Using this language, a programmer can insert any data into the database, modify existing data, or even remove it.
Just like any other programming language, SQL also has several elements like loops, functions, variables, etc. However, it is not similar to other languages like Java or Python. The way to define any statement in SQL is far different than other normal programming languages.
We will know all of it later in our discussion. But it is time to highlight some of the features of the SQL programming language.
What are Some Features of SQL Programming Language?
Features play an important role in the popularity of any entity in the world. And the SQL programming language is no different from that. One of the most important features is the SQL programming language present in the open-source format.
Also, it is known for its high-performance ability. But, these are the starting of SQL’s features. To understand complete features, the need for one list is essential. That is the reason; why we are drafting a list of the following:
- SQL provides a Higher Level of Security to the application developed.
- SQL is known for its Scalability and Flexibility.
- SQL provides Robust Transactional Support to the applications.
- Presence of Different Commands to define and manipulate a relational table.
- SQL Restricts and Allows users to check visit or make changes in the database.
- SQL is known for its Portability. It can be executable on different devices with the same code.
SQL provides a Rollback System that reverts the original condition if any error occurs.
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Does SQL Support Programming Language Features?
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The simple answer to this question will be NO! The SQL doesn’t fall under the General Purpose Programming Language (GPL) concept. It follows another concept which is Domain-Specific Programming Language (DPL) that is developed only for solving problems for a specific domain.
Though, there is no doubt that SQL supports some features of GPL like If-Else conditions, different loops, user-defined functions, etc. However, no programmer can use the SQL to solve the problems related to the Data Structure or Algorithms.
So, SQL is of course a programming language as it has problem-solving capacity, but not a General Purpose Programming Language.
What are Some Advantages of SQL Programming Language?
Now, after getting the features of the SQL language, it is time to understand some of the advantages of using this particular language. Along with SQL, there are a lot of other similar languages present. Like PRQL, GraphQL, Amazon Relational Database Service, etc.
But still, SQL holds the first position in terms of popularity. To understand the reason deeply, letโs focus on the following points that are marked as the advantages of using SQL language.
- Faster and Efficient: SQL is considered one of the best efficient and fast performers to solve any problem within a second. It is also considered a lightweight application that works well.
- No Primary Coding Skills: To work on the SQL language, there is no need to have preliminary coding skills or knowledge. It is completely beginner-friendly.
- Interactive Language: The language used here is so simple to execute. The commands used there are simple and easy to remember. So, it is considered an easy-to-learn one.
- Multiple Data View: SQL provides multiple data view options. One can set the changes to view the existing table in multiple forms to understand the defined table.
- Similarity with Internet Architecture: SQL shares some similarities with the Internet architecture that helps to define different networking devices easily.
Is SQL Language Hard to Learn?
Such a question doesn’t suit a programming language like SQL. Such a quiet one can arise for Python, Java, or any other programming language. You will be happy to know that the SQL language is considered the easiest language ever.
You might find difficulties in the advanced topics where there is a need to work with the transactions and revert it if any problem occurs. Other than the advanced topics, everybody feels SQL is a cakewalk for them. And we hope you will find it the same.
But still, if you are getting issues with SQL, then no need to worry more! For your help, CodingZap SQL Service is present. Do connect with us & let us wipe out your entire confusion related to SQL.
How Can You Create Your First Simple SQL Code?
Now, as you know SQL is not a difficult concept, so let us move a bit deep into the section. Here, we will build a simple program on the SQL programming language. And not to be worried about your background!ย
If you are a novice in SQL, then also you will find it easy. So, let us start in a step-by-step format.
Step 1: Create the Table:
Open the application on your device or switch to any online SQL IDE. And write the following code. In this code, you will see that a table is created with three entities or rows. They are Student ID, First Name, and Last Name.ย ย
The Student ID is marked with a Primary Key tag as it should be unique for each case. Also, we have put the data type name thereafter the variable declaration. In SQL, the String Data Type is considered as the Varchar.
CREATE TABLE stud (
student-id INT PRIMARY KEY, firstname VARCHAR(50), lastname VARCHAR(50),
);
Step 2: Add Data There:
Now as the table is created, some items need to be inserted. With the help of the Insert Into and Values command, we will put some data there. Also, we have to provide data in the way; we have made the rows in the table. This means the first element will be the Student ID.
INSERT INTO stud (student-id, firstname, lastname) VALUES
(1, 'Java', 'Code'), (2, 'SQL', 'Code'), (3, 'Python', 'Code');
Step 3: Print All Data:
Now, it is time to print all the data that are inserted. You need to use the Select Command with the Asterisk Sign (*). You also need to put the table name in the code to generate the entire data.
SELECT * FROM stud;
Step 4: Perform Random Operations:
Now, you can perform some random operation on that code. Like, you can delete any certain entity from the table. For that purpose, use the Delete Keyword. To mark that entity, use the Primary Key Student ID.
DELETE FROM stud WHERE student-id = 1;
You can perform some other operations there as well. For performing certain operations, there is a list of commands present in the SQL. We are making a list with all of the important commands present there. Do implement it on your own.
- Update: Updates any specific data with the help of primary key
- Drop: Removes an entire table with the table name help.
- Alter Table: Modifies the table entirely.
What are the Applications of SQL Programming Language?
Now, as we are coming towards the end of our topic, we need to know some of the real-world applications of SQL Programming Language. One thing we should all remember is that, whatever application you are using, has the database there. So, the SQL is used.
So, the range of SQL applications is very vast. However, we will try to bring some very important fields where the use of SQL is inevitable. Here are the applications where SQL is highly used.
Banking Sector:
In the banking sector, the need for SQL is very high. In earlier days, all the baking records were kept in big handwritten books. But now as the entire service is digitalized, the presence of a database with all customer entities becomes a necessity.
Healthcare Service:
Healthcare service is the newest addition in this context. Every hospital now maintains a proper digital table of their patients. And even after getting discharged, the details of the patients never get deleted from the server. It helps in the treatment of the same individual in the future.
Social Media:
Every social media platform uses the database to register a humungous number of users. Also, the same database is used for logging into the system & surfing online. So, you can assume how large and effective a table needs to be created by every social media platform to work well.
Music Player:
It is the application that is now present in every Smartphone. You might know that there is a feature called Playlist in Music Applications. It is a simple result of using SQL effectively. Whatever songs you insert into the playlist go into the database table. If youโre looking for Database Homework Help, then you can contact Codingzap experts and clear your doubts.
E-Commerce Sector:
The E-Commerce Sector is not different from any other section which uses SQL. You should know the Cart system of every E-Commerce app where we put different elements. It is a kind of database that holds every entity based on your login credential as the Primary Key.
Is SQL Programming Language Still Used?
You will be surprised to know that SQL is still being used in different corporate worlds for maintaining their databases. And whatever developer you want to become in the future, be assured that you have to work with the SQL language even once in your life.
And the demand is not going to vaporize within a few years or decades. Though it was invented in the 1970s, with the newest updates, SQL is becoming a necessity in every work domain. And fortunately, a SQL developer gets a handsome amount as a salary in the USA annually.
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What are Some Workforces Where SQL is Needed?
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Before we conclude, we have already marked that SQL is a demanding language. So, it is time to discuss some important workforce names that are using SQL language daily for developing different applications.ย
The companies that are using SQL in their organizations are the following:
- Amazon
- Netflix
- Uber
- Ola
Along with the companies, we are marking some of the working domains where the need for SQL is high. And one needs to know SQL before choosing that stream as their future path.
- Data Analysis
- Android App Development
- Web App Development
- Database Administrators
- Back-End Developer
Conclusion:
As we saw it is very important to know โSQL or Sequel programming languageโ from university time.
The SQL will not only be needed when you enter any workforce. While developing your final year semester project, SQL will be needed to make any application function. So, start dedicating some time to this query language.
There’s no question that beginning with the fundamentals is always a wise approach. We recommend working on the SQL problem after clearing the basic idea of the concept. Without the basic idea, the more advanced topics will become rock-hard for you to crack.
