What are the SQL?
Structured Query Language (SQL) is the standard language used to interact with relational databases.
Mainly used to manage data. Whether you want to create, delete, update or read data, SQL
provides commands to perform these operations.
Widely supported across various database systems like MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQL
Server and many others.
Mainly works with Relational Databases (data is stored in the form of tables)
SQL Working
We interact with databases using SQL queries. DBMS tools like MySQL and SQL Server have their own
SQL engine and an interface where users can write and execute SQL queries.
Below are the detailed steps involved in the SQL query execution.
Input – The user sends a SQL query (like SELECT or INSERT).
Parsing – The system checks if the query is written correctly.
Optimization – It chooses the fastest way to run the query.
Execution – The database runs the query.
Output – The result or confirmation is sent back to the user.
Components of a SQL System
Database: A structured collection of data stored in tables with rows and columns.
Tables: Store data and apply rules to keep it accurate and consistent.
Indexes: Help the database find data faster without scanning the whole table.
Views: Virtual tables created from SELECT queries for easy access to data.
Stored Procedures: Pre-saved SQL code that runs tasks and improves performance and
security.
Transactions: Group of SQL actions that either all succeed or all fail to keep data safe.
Security & Permissions: Control who can view, change, or manage database data.
Joins: Combine data from different tables based on relationships.
Rules for Writing SQL Queries
To make SQL queries correct, readable, and executable in any database, we must follow certain rules.
1. Semicolon (;) – Statement Terminator
Every SQL statement should end with a semicolon (;).
It tells the database that the command is finished.
Example:
SELECT * FROM students;
2. Case-Insensitive Nature of SQL
SQL keywords are NOT case-sensitive.
These are all correct:
Ex.
SELECT * FROM students;
select * from students;
SeLeCt * FrOm students;
But best practice:
Write SQL keywords in UPPERCASE for readability.
3. Whitespace (Spaces and New Lines)
Spaces and line breaks are allowed.
They improve readability.
Bad (hard to read):
Ex.
SELECT name,age FROM students WHERE age>18;
Good (easy to read):
SELECT name, age
FROM students
WHERE age > 18;
Both give the same result.
4. Reserved Words Rule
Do NOT use SQL keywords as table or column names.
Examples of reserved words:
SELECT
INSERT
WHERE
TABLE
ORDER
GROUP
Wrong:
CREATE TABLE SELECT (
id INT
);
5. Data Constraints Rule
Constraints ensure correct and accurate data.
Common constraints:
Constraint Meaning
NOT NULL Cannot store empty value
UNIQUE No duplicate values
PRIMARY KEY Unique + Not Null
FOREIGN KEY Links two tables
CHECK Condition must be true
DEFAULT Default value
Full Example:
CREATE TABLE students (
id INT PRIMARY KEY,
name VARCHAR(50) NOT NULL,
email VARCHAR(100) UNIQUE,
age INT CHECK (age >= 18)
);
✔ id must be unique
✔ name cannot be empty
✔ email cannot repeat
✔ age must be 18 or more
6. String Values Rule
Strings must be written inside single quotes (' ').
Example
-Correct:
SELECT * FROM students
WHERE name = 'Rahul';
-Wrong:
WHERE name = Rahul;
Numbers do NOT need quotes:
WHERE age = 20;
7. Naming Rules (Very Important for Exams)
When creating table names, column names, or database names:
Rule 1: Must Start with a Letter
Correct:
student_data
employee1
Wrong:
1student
_data
Rule 2: Maximum 30 Characters
Name should not exceed 30 characters (in many SQL systems).
Correct:
student_information
Too long:
student_information_management_system_data
Rule 3: Allowed Characters
You can use:
Letters (A–Z, a–z)
Numbers (0–9)
Underscore (_)
Correct:
student_data
employee_2024
Wrong:
student-data (dash not allowed)
student data (space not allowed)
student@data (@ not allowed)
Complete Practical Example
-- Create student table with proper naming rules
CREATE TABLE student_details (
student_id INT PRIMARY KEY,
student_name VARCHAR(50) NOT NULL,
student_email VARCHAR(100) UNIQUE,
student_age INT CHECK (student_age >= 18)
);
-- Insert data using string rule
INSERT INTO student_details
VALUES (1, 'Rahul Sharma', 'rahul@[Link]', 20);
-- Select data
SELECT student_name, student_age
FROM student_details
WHERE student_age > 18;
SQL Commands
SQL (Structured Query Language) is the standard language used to manage and manipulate
relational databases.
SQL commands are divided into five main categories:
1. DDL – Data Definition Language
2. DML – Data Manipulation Language
3. DQL – Data Query Language
4. DCL – Data Control Language
5. TCL – Transaction Control Language
DDL – Data Definition Language
Used to define and modify database structure.
[Link]
Creates database objects (database, table, view, index).
Create Database
CREATE DATABASE company;
Create Table
CREATE TABLE employees (
id INT PRIMARY KEY,
name VARCHAR(100) NOT NULL,
salary DECIMAL(10,2),
hire_date DATE
);
[Link]
Modifies existing table structure.
Add Column
ALTER TABLE employees
ADD email VARCHAR(100);
Modify Column
ALTER TABLE employees
MODIFY salary DECIMAL(12,2);
Drop Column
ALTER TABLE employees
DROP COLUMN email;
[Link]
Deletes database objects permanently.
DROP TABLE employees;
DROP DATABASE company;
[Link]
Removes all rows but keeps table structure.
TRUNCATE TABLE employees;
