What is SQL?

SQL (Structured Query Language) is the most common standardized language used to access databases.


SQL was originally developed by IBM in the 1970's for their DB2 RDBMS.

SQL version 3 is officially defined by the American National Standards Instititute (ANSI) in the ANSI SQL:1999 standard.

Most existing DBMS's currently conform to the earlier ANSI SQL92 standard.

SQL is a nonprocedural language. Oracle produces a procedural version of SQL which it calls PL/SQL.

SQL is supported by every major database system in use today, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, Berkeley DB, Oracle, DB2, Sybase, Informix, and Microsoft SQL.

SQL is often pronounced "sequel".