SQL is a standard database query language used for storing, manipulating, and retrieving data from databases. SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It was developed in the 1970s by IBM to query and update their System R relational database. SQL has since become the most widely-used database query language in the world.
SQL consists of a set of commands that can be used to perform various operations on databases. These operations include retrieving data from tables, inserting new data into tables, updating existing data in tables, and deleting data from tables. SQL also provides commands for creating and dropping databases and tables, as well as for granting and revoking permissions on databases and tables.
In order to execute SQL commands, one must first connect to a database using a database management system (DBMS). Once connected, one can enter SQL commands into the DBMS’s command prompt or interface in order to manipulate the data stored in the database. Some popular DBMSs include MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, and PostgreSQL.