SQL is the internationally recognized standard language for dealing with data in relational databases. Developed by IBM, SQL became an international standard in 1986. The standard was updated in 1989, 1992, 1999, 2003, and 2008. It continues to evolve and gain capability. Database vendors continually update their products to incorporate the new features of the ISO/IEC standard. (For the curious out there, ISO is the International Organization for Standardization, and IEC is the International Electrotechnical Commission.)
SQL isn’t a general-purpose language, such as C++ or Java. Instead, it’s strictly designed to deal with data in relational databases. With SQL, you can carry out all the following tasks:
- Create a database, including all tables and relationships
- Fill database tables with data
- Change the data in database tables
- Delete data from database tables
- Retrieve specific information from database tables
- Grant and revoke access to database tables
- Protect database tables from corruption due to access conflicts or user mistakes