Characteristics of SQL

Structured Query Language (SQL) is a standard language to write queries. It was developed under R Project by IBM. SQL has a basic grammar and syntax. It was declared as a standard language to use by American Standard National Institute(ANSI) and International Standard Organization(ISO). The functionality of SQL language is virtually similar across the operating system platforms.

Using SQL doesn’t require programming experience, but programming experience helps one to conceptualize what a particular SQL command will help to execute and retrieve SQL queries.

Characteristics and Benefits of Structured Query Language:
The ANSI SQL provides with:

• Specific syntax and semantics of SQL data definition and data manipulation languages.
• It also provides with basic data structure and operations for designing, assessing, maintaining, controlling and protecting SQL databases.
• Portability of database definition and application is also provided. Applications can be moved from one machine to another.
• IS professionals share a common language and reduce training costs.
• Professionals can become proficient in its use and increase the productivity.
• It provides with longevity.
• It provides with reduced dependence on single vendor.

Rules to write commands:

1. Table names cannot exceed 20 characters.
2. Name of the table must be unique.
3. Field names also must be unique.
4. The field list and filed length must be enclosed in parentheses.
5. The user must specify the field length and type.
6. The field definitions must be separated with commas.
7. SQL statements must end with a semicolon.