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SQL, short for Structured Query Language, is a language used in programming and designed for managing data held in a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS), or for processing stream in a Relational Data Stream Management System (RDSMS). It is particularly useful in handling structured data, i.e., data incorporating relations among entities and variables.
Advantages of Using SQL
No Coding Needed
SQL is a non-procedural language, so you can obtain a substantial amount of information from a database with minimum coding. SQL allows you to describe your data without specifying how to return it.
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SELECT * FROM CUSTOMERS; |
Well Defined Standards Available
SQL databases use long-established standard, which is being adopted by ANSI & ISO. Non-SQL databases do not adhere to any clear standard.
Portability
SQL can be used in laptops, PCs, servers and even some mobile phones. It’s no doubt an extremely portable language.
Interactive Language
SQL is a domain-specific language. It has commands that can be used to interact with databases, making it a useful tool for businesses.
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INSERT INTO CUSTOMERS (ID, NAME, AGE) VALUES (1, 'John', 25); |
Disadvantages of Using SQL
Difficulty in Interfacing
There can be a few difficulties while interfacing an SQL database with some programming languages without the use of an SQL client API.
Can Be Expensive
The cost of SQL server in terms of software and hardware can be high depending on the size of the organization. Even maintaining the system requires a staff of professional IT experts.
Partial Control
SQL offers partial control to the developers to use it, partially due to its simplicity of retrieving data. Although it makes reporting easier, it can prove to be a limitation for complex transactions.
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DELETE FROM CUSTOMERS WHERE AGE > 25; |
Conclusion
Despite a few disadvantages, SQL proves to be an efficient language that offers many advantages especially when it comes to managing and querying large data sets. Therefore, learning SQL serves as a great investment for organizations seeking to extract actionable insights from their stored data.