A. To define the data structures
B. To specify the syntax and semantics of SQL data definition language
C. To specify the syntax and semantics of SQL manipulation language
D. All of the above which of the following is the original purpose of SQL?
The correct answer to this question “Which of the following is the original purpose of SQL” is option(D) all of the above.
Explanation:
SQL (structured Query Language) was created to work with relational databases. It was designed to help define the structure of the data and to manage the data. It helps you create, read, update, and delete. SQL allows you to define the structure of data(tables, columns) and control access to it.
Table of Contents:
Original Purpose of SQL
SQL serves various purposes. Let’s explore some of them.
1. To Define the data structures
SQL is used to define the structures of the database using “Data Definition Language(DDL)”. This includes some commands like:
- CREATE TABLE: It is used to define a table
- CREATE DATABASE: It is used to define a new database
- ALTER TABLE: It is used to modify an existing table
- DROP TABLE: It is used to delete a table
- TRUNCATE: It is used to remove all the rows from the table
- RENAME: It is used to rename the table or a column in an existing table
These commands help to organize and maintain the structure of the database effectively.
2. Specify the syntax and semantics of SQL data definition language
SQL’s Data Definition Language (DDL) is used for defining and managing database schema,
including tables, constraints, indexes, etc. DDL focuses on the structure of the database rather than the data inside it. It helps you define how data is organized, stored, and related to each other.
For example, you can create a table with specific columns and data types, or change the design of an existing table.
3. To specify the syntax and semantics of SQL manipulation language
SQL also includes Data Manipulation Language (DML) which is used for querying, inserting, updating, and deleting data. This part of SQL allows users to manipulate the data within the defined structures. This includes some commands like:
- SELECT: It is used to retrieve the data from the table.
- INSERT: It is used to add the data from the table.
- UPDATE: It is used to modify the data from the table.
- DELETE: It is used to remove the data from the table.
SQL specifies both the syntax and the semantics for manipulating data.
Conclusion
After understanding various purposes of SQL, we can conclude that, SQL was designed for performing many tasks such as defining the data structures, specifying the syntax and semantics of the Data Definition Languages(DDL), and specifying the syntax and semantics of the Data Manipulation Language (DML).
Because of these capabilities, SQL is used by developers, analysts, and data scientists to interact, manage databases, defining the structure of data and allowing manipulation of data within those structures.
Therefore, option D (All of the above) is the most accurate answer.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between SQL and MySQL?
SQL is a query language used for managing databases, while MySQL is an RDBMS that uses SQL to interact with data.
2. What are the different types of SQL commands?
SQL commands are categorized into DML, DDL, DCL, and TCL.
3. What is a primary key in SQL?
A primary key is a unique identifier for a record in a table that ensures no two rows have the same value in that column.
4. What is normalization in SQL?
Normalization is the process of organizing data to reduce redundancy and dependency.
5. What is the difference between JOIN and UNION in SQL?
JOIN combines rows from multiple tables, while UNION combines result sets of two SELECT queries into one.