Introduction
If you’re someone who works with data, I’m sure you often use Structured Query Language (SQL). Be it in data science, database management, or backend development, SQL is an essential tool that everyone needs. Although most of us are familiar with the language, there’s often some confusion about what it really is. Is it a scripting language? Is it a programming language? Or is it both? Well, if these questions have ever popped up in your mind and kept you wondering, now is the time to find out the answers! In this article, we’re going to break down what SQL is all about. We’ll look at what makes a language a programming language versus a scripting language, and finally figure out where SQL fits in.
Enhance your SQL skills: Advanced SQL for Data Science
Objectives
- Understand what programming languages and scripting languages are.
- Understand what SQL is.
- Learn the benefits of using it, and more importantly, where to use it and where not to.
- Decode if SQL is a programming language or a scripting language.
Table of Contents
What is a Programming Language?
A programming language is a formal language made up of a set of instructions intended to produce different kinds of output. These languages are used to implement algorithms, control devices, and create applications that can run independently.
What Can Programming Languages Do?
- Perform complex computations: Involving arithmetic, logical, and control structures.
- Manipulate data structures: Including arrays, lists, and objects.
- Enable control flow: Supporting constructs like loops, conditionals, and functions.
- Create standalone applications: Developing software that can operate independently of other applications.
Common programming languages: Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript.
What is a Scripting Language?
A scripting language is a type of programming language designed to communicate with other programming languages. Scripts are typically used to automate mundane, time-consuming, and repetitive tasks that are otherwise done manually. Scripting languages are usually interpreted rather than compiled. Since they integrate with other languages, scripting languages are often embedded within other applications.
Characteristics of Scripting Languages
- Ease of use: Simplified syntax and semantics for rapid development.
- Task automation: Automating repetitive tasks like file manipulation, system administration, and web page generation.
- Integration with other software: Often used to script the behavior of other software applications.
- Interactivity: Executing one command at a time and often used for short tasks.
Common scripting languages: Python, Perl, Ruby, and Bash.
What is SQL?
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a domain-specific language used for managing and manipulating relational databases. Using SQL, you can perform various operations like querying data, updating records, creating tables, and setting permissions. The best use of SQL is for data retrieval, insertion, updating, deletion, and similar tasks.
Unlike general-purpose programming languages, SQL is primarily declarative. This means that it focuses on what needs to be done rather than how to do it. For example, when you put in an SQL query to find all records where the age is greater than 30, it doesn’t tell the database engine how to find those records.
Learn More: SQL: A Full Fledged Guide from Basics to Advanced Level
Is SQL a Programming Language or a Scripting Language?
Now let’s delve into the main part of this article!
Is SQL a Programming Language?
Programming languages are mostly general purpose, unlike SQL, which is domain-specific in nature. It is designed for a very specific domain: interacting with relational databases. You can use SQL to perform other tasks such as complex queries and transactions as well. However, it doesn’t have the full set of features that programming languages do. It lacks extensive control flow constructs, complex data structures, and the ability to create standalone applications.
That being said, SQL does have extensions like PL/SQL (Procedural Language/SQL) for Oracle and T-SQL (Transact-SQL) for Microsoft SQL Server. These give the language, procedural programming capabilities. These extensions let it create functions, procedures, and triggers, adding a layer of programming-like functionality within the database context.
Is SQL a Scripting Language?
Most programming and scripting languages are imperative, meaning they have specified step-by-step instructions as to how to do a certain task. SQL, however, is a declarative language. It only specifies what results to get and not how to get them. This makes SQL fundamentally different in its approach.
Speaking of scripting, SQL can be used within scripts to automate database tasks. For example, a Python script might execute a series of SQL queries to generate a report or update records. Although this means that SQL functions can be a part of a scripting solution, it doesn’t make SQL a scripting language by itself.
The Verdict
So, is SQL a programming language or a scripting language? The answer is both or neither at the same time! SQL is best described as a declarative query language specialized for database interactions. It has features of both programming and scripting languages but doesn’t entirely fit into either category. Instead, it stands apart as an important auxiliary tool in data management and manipulation.
Benefits of Using SQL
- Simplicity: SQL is a simple and straightforward program. It is quite easy to learn and use, especially if you have a background in data management.
- Efficiency: SQL is efficient in querying and manipulating data in large datasets. This makes it an essential tool for database management.
- Standardization: Organizations like ANSI and ISO have certified and standardized SQL. Hence, the program stays consistent across different database systems.
- Integration: SQL is a versatile program that integrates well with various programming languages and tools.
When to Use SQL
- Database Management: SQL is ideal for managing and manipulating relational databases.
- Data Analysis: It’s great for querying and analyzing large datasets.
- Automation: SQL scripts can automate repetitive database tasks.
- Reporting: SQL is useful for generating reports from databases.
When Not to Use SQL
- General-Purpose Programming: For tasks outside database management, use a general-purpose programming language.
- Complex Procedural Logic: SQL lacks advanced control flow features; consider a language with procedural capabilities.
- Non-Relational Data: For non-relational databases, use languages or tools designed for those systems.
Conclusion
SQL stands out amongst computer languages as a dedicated language for database queries. While it shares some characteristics with programming and scripting languages, it does not fully belong to either category. Hence, it is fundamentally tagged as a declarative query language designed for managing relational databases. Its specialized nature and powerful capabilities make it a must-know tool for data professionals. It is thus important for you to know how and when to use SQL, and where not to. To learn more about the uses of SQL in data science, do read this article on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can SQL be used for programming?
A. SQL has procedural extensions like PL/SQL for Oracle and T-SQL Microsoft SQL Server, that give it some programming-like capabilities. However, it is primarily used for querying and managing databases rather than general-purpose programming.
Q2. Is learning SQL difficult?
A. SQL is considered relatively easy to learn, especially for those familiar with databases. Its syntax is straightforward and highly readable compared to many other languages. Here’s a beginners guide on SQL to get you started.
Q3. What are the main uses of SQL?
A. SQL is used for querying databases, updating records, creating and modifying database structures, and managing database permissions. It is hence essential for data retrieval, manipulation, and management.
Q4. Can SQL be used with other programming languages?
A. Yes, SQL is often used with other programming languages. For example, a Python script can execute SQL queries to interact with a database, combining the strengths of both languages.
Sabreena Basheer is an architect-turned-writer who's passionate about documenting anything that interests her. She's currently exploring the world of AI and Data Science as a Content Manager at Analytics Vidhya.
