What is SQL? Explain its Features, Advantages and Disadvantages

• Thu 08-Dec, 2022
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What is SQL? Explain its Features, Advantages and Disadvantages

SQL stands for Structured Query Language.

SQL is a language that is used to manage data that is held in a relational database management system. It uses tables to manipulate and retrieve information from databases for analysis. As an early coder, you will have likely heard the acronym SQL among your peers, colleagues or teachers. However, if you want to get to grips with database management, SQL is certainly something you will need to learn. SQL stands for Structured Query Language. Initially, the name of the language was meant to be Sequel (Structured English Query Language). However, due to copyright, the name was shortened to SQL.

 

SQL is the set of instructions used to interact with databases. Of course, this is a straightforward definition for such a complex subject. Let’s go a little deeper. SQL is a special-purpose programming language designed for managing data stored in a relational database management system. SQL is the language with which a coder communicates with a database to manipulate its data. It is their guiding hand, voice, and fingertips dragging across a screen, helping the coder navigate and organise the data as they see fit. It is how a coder converses with the machine.

 

SQL is used for database architecture and management. Thus, it is a vital tool used by any individual who seeks to pursue a career as a database administrator. For those unfamiliar with programming languages and website architecture, the work of SQL will often go unnoticed. Still, those who have seen behind the curtain will know it as one of the fundamental building blocks of modern database architecture.

 

SQL code is often divided into four main categories.

 

1. ‘Queries are performed using the ubiquitous yet familiar SELECT statement, which is further divided into clauses, including SELECT, FROM, WHERE and ORDER BY.’

 

2. ‘Data Manipulation Language (DML) is used to add, update or delete data and is actually a SELECT statement subset and is comprised of the INSERT, DELETE and UPDATE statements, as well as control statements, e.g., BEGIN TRANSACTION, SAVEPOINT, COMMIT and ROLLBACK.’

 

3. ‘Data Definition Language (DDL) is used for managing tables and index structures. Examples of DDL statements include CREATE ALTER, TRUNCATE and DROP.’

 

4. ‘Data Control Language (DCL) is used to assign and revoke database rights and permissions. Its main statements are GRANT and REVOKE.’

 

Despite being one of the older languages having been designed at IBM in the early 1970s, SQL is as strong as ever due to its adaptability to evolving, ease of use, and the fact that it doesn’t overcomplicate things. It understands the vital but straightforward function it provides, and it goes about doing that. Where so many programming languages have failed to adapt over time, SQL has consistently provided what it has advertised and has cemented its place as the backbone of data architecture. Here are some of its benefits.

1. Use & Access: 
One of the significant benefits of the SQL database language is that it allows users to quickly insert, update, delete, or retrieve data with simple commands. Users can use administrative functions and manage a database a lot easier, and users can remotely access data by using SQL. 

 

2. Universally Used:
Another benefit of SQL is is that it is widely used among various platforms. 

 

If you already understand other languages and coding principles, then SQL is considered easy to pick up, and it can be learned within a couple of weeks. However, if you are new to coding, it can take longer. 

 

For many coders who have just begun to express their curiosity about the world of technology, introducing yourself to the specific tasks of so many programming languages can be a challenging task. However, the word task is itself a very valuable clue. These technologies are just like specific professions tasked with certain duties and expectations. They are designated with a specific purpose. There is an underlying functionality that makes these programming languages and software useful for modern coders. Otherwise, like the technologies of yesterday, they slip away unnoticed.

Consider the fact that typewriters, for the most part, are either being used by unemployed writers or by governments to counter the threat of international spying due to how obsolete they have become in a digital world. Or that the Wall Street Journal discussed the severe fall in landline phone use between 1996 and 2011, from 96% to 71%. When was the last time you used a public payphone, looked up a phone number in a phone book, or searched for a definition in an encyclopaedia? The world has never changed so much or so quickly.

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a data-driven programming language that is primarily used to query and manipulate data in relational databases. It is a high-level domain language because it is hardware independent and is therefore used by many businesses to handle their databases. The advantages of knowing SQL is expanding and significant. SQL has seen a significant increase in usage over the last few years.

The following are some of the advantages of utilizing SQL:

Faster and Efficient Query Processing

• SQL works with an efficient speed. This high speed can boost the amount of data retrieval. It can give users a rapid and effective means to obtain, alter, or store data.
• SQL can quickly and efficiently retrieve a large volume of data records from a database. Compared to an unstructured database such as MongoDB, it is a relational database that can characterize the data in a structured way. Operations like insertion, deletion, querying, manipulation, and calculations on data via analytical queries in a relational database can be accomplished in a matter of seconds.

2. No Need for Coding Skills

• There is no need for large and complex code lines for data extraction. One reason for using SQL is that it does not require extensive coding and program writing knowledge. It is easy to maintain database systems without having to write a good amount of code. There is no need for large complex lines of code for data extraction.
• SQL is mostly made up of English statements, making it simple to learn and write SQL queries. All primary keywords, like SELECT, INSERT INTO, DELETE, UPDATE, etc., can be used to carry out operations. Also, the syntactical rules are simple and easy to understand, making it a user-friendly language.

3. Portable

• Portability is an extremely desirable feature in any program that stores data in a database. A software developer would like to use a small in-memory database, such as Apache Derby, while creating an application.
• SQL is highly portable because it is employed in programs on PCs, servers, tablets, and independent laptops running operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Mac, and even some mobile phones. It can also be embedded with other programs based on the requirements.
• It can be used on local systems (internet and the intranet). SQL databases can be easily transferred from one device to another.

4. Standardized Language

• SQL is a relational database query language that has been accepted by ISO and ANSI. It gives all users a consistent platform worldwide due to proper documentation and years of establishment.
• In 19861986 and 19871987, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ISO (International Standards Organization) standardized the language. The most recent standard part was produced in 20112011.

5. Interactive Language

• SQL is a domain language that is simple to learn and easy to understand. It can also be used to interface with databases and receive responses to complicated queries in seconds.

• It becomes an interactive language for its users because it offers easy commands for all purposes. SQL commands are also understandable to non-programmers.
• SQL is used to build and administer large databases, including data sharing, updating, and retrieval from numerous tables. This is the primary reason organizations employ SQL in various applications such as web development, data analysis, IT support, etc.

6. Multiple Data Views

• The SQL language gives each user a unique view of the data. A view is a SQL statement that includes specified SQL queries that are stored in the database. It can be built from one or more tables based on the queries written or the aim that the view satisfies.
• SQL can provide distinct views of the database's structure and content to different users.

Check out this article to learn more about Views in SQL.

7. Internet Usage

• Three-tier Internet architectures are compatible with SQL architecture. Client, application server, and database components make up the architecture.

8. Large User Community

• The SQL programming language is nearly 50 years old and is incredibly mature and still extensively used. It boasts a vibrant network of specialists eager to provide advice and well-established best practices.
• There are several opportunities to improve one's skills and collaborate. Consultants and SQL suppliers can provide extra assistance if needed. Your developers will be able to find the answers they require using SQL.

9. Emergence of ORDBMS:

·         Previously SQL databases were synonymous with relational database. With the emergence of Object Oriented DBMS, object storage capabilities are extended to relational databases.

What are the Disadvantages of SQL?

Along with its advantages, the SQL (Structured Query Language) has several disadvantages :

1. Resource-Intensive Scaling

• SQL databases typically scale up vertically by increasing hardware investment. This is both costly and time-consuming. An organization may seek to scale a SQL database horizontally using partitioning in particular instances.
• This extra complexity increases the time and resources required. The effort will certainly require coding for dealing with a large database, which will require highly talented and well-paid developers. Scaling your SQL database as data volume grows is like playing a never-ending game of tag, where the optimum setup is always just out of reach.

2. Partial Control

• SQL does not provide programmers complete control over databases. This is primarily due to hidden corporate rules.

3. Cost Inefficient

• Some versions are expensive, which makes programmers unable to access them. For example, SQL Server Standard costs around $1,418 per year.

4. Rigidity

• The schema of a SQL database must be specified before it can be used. They are rigid once installed, and changes are often complex and time-consuming. As a result, significant work must be invested in upfront preparation before the database is ever put into production.
• They are only useful when all your data is structured, and you don't expect a considerable volume or data type change.

5. Normalization of Data

• Relational databases, which were created at a time when data storage was expensive, try to eliminate data duplication. Each table has unique data that may be linked and queried using common values. However, as SQL databases grow in size, the lookups and joins necessary between multiple tables can cause performance issues, ultimately slowing down things.

6. Hardware Updation

• The pattern for SQL databases is to scale up the data vertically, where capacity can only be enhanced by adding capabilities, such as RAM, CPU, and SSD, on the existing server or by relocating to a larger, more expensive one. As your data expands, you'll need more hard drive space and quicker equipment to operate developing and more advanced technologies. Your database vendor will most likely require you to upgrade your hardware regularly in order to run their most recent releases.
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• Hardware can easily become outdated in this context. Each update will undoubtedly be costly and resource-consuming. SQL's hardware requirements include continuing, day-to-day maintenance and operational costs.

7.  More Features Implemented in Proprietary way:
Although SQL databases conform to ANSI & ISO standards, some databases go for proprietary extensions to standard SQL to ensure vendor lock-in.

Conclusion

• SQL (Structured Query Language) has become one of the world's most popular database languages. It is a domain-specific query language that is commonly used for constructing and managing databases by performing actions such as INSERTION, DELETION, and UPDATION on a schema. Using standard SQL it is easier to manage database systems without having to write substantial amount of code.
• The International Organization for Standardization and the American National Stands Institute have adopted it as a standard. Most corporations and organizations use it to properly manage their databases and development projects.

 

 

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