Title: SQL (Structured Query Language) Author: Kriko Published: Jun 8, 2023 Last modified: Jul 7, 2026 --- 1. [Home](https://kriko.io/) / 2. [Glossary](https://kriko.io/glossary) / 3. S Letter # SQL **(Structured Query Language)** SQL stands for **Structured Query Language**. It is a standard language used to access, manage and manipulate [data](https://kriko.io/services/data-analysis-insight) stored in relational database systems. SQL was developed by IBM researchers in the 1970s. Although it is often described as a programming language, it is more accurately classified as a domain-specific language designed primarily for working with databases rather than as a general- purpose programming language. SQL is mainly used to interact with relational databases and database management systems. It supports operations such as defining [data](https://kriko.io/services/data-analysis-insight) structures, retrieving and analysing information, modifying records and controlling access to data. Through SQL, users can create, delete and modify database tables, run queries, process results and manage stored information. Database management systems execute SQL commands and return the requested results. SQL can also be used to monitor and optimise database performance. Its relatively simple syntax and ability to integrate with different programming languages make it a widely used tool among [data](https://kriko.io/services/data-analysis-insight) analysts, developers and database administrators. SQL is supported by many database management systems, including **MySQL**, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, IBM Db2, PostgreSQL, Sybase, IBM Informix, Progress, Firebird and Microsoft Access. As one of the foundations of database management, SQL works with database servers that process queries and return the relevant results. Although each database system may have its own features and extensions, most systems support standard SQL commands. The primary purpose of SQL is to organise, model and manage [data](https://kriko.io/services/data-analysis-insight) effectively. Depending on the requirements of the application, SQL can be used for a wide range of operations, from retrieving individual records to processing large datasets. SQL is commonly used to control information stored in databases and retrieve specific [data](https://kriko.io/services/data-analysis-insight) when needed. Although its syntax is relatively straightforward, it is a powerful language capable of handling large volumes of structured data. Some of the most commonly used SQL commands include: * **INSERT**, which adds new records to a database table. * **SELECT**, which retrieves [data](https://kriko.io/services/data-analysis-insight) from one or more tables. * **UPDATE**, which modifies existing records. * **DELETE**, which removes records from a table. These commands form the basis of many database operations carried out through SQL. ## Discover it in the dictionary ### Financial Analytics Financial analytics is an analytical discipline used to evaluate the overall economic and financial performance of an organisation or brand. It involves assessing a… ### Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) Customer Acquisition Cost, commonly abbreviated as CAC, is an important marketing and finance metric that shows the average cost a business spends to acquire… ### Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) Zero-Based Budgeting, commonly abbreviated as ZBB, is a budgeting method that requires organisations to justify their expenses from the beginning of each budgeting period.… ### MLOps MLOps is a collection of practices and processes used to develop, deploy, monitor and manage machine learning models in a sustainable manner. The term… ### Hreflang Tag The hreflang tag is an HTML annotation used on multilingual or multi-regional websites to tell search engines about different language and country versions of… ### White hat SEO White hat SEO refers to search engine optimization practices that follow search engine guidelines, focus on users and aim for sustainable organic visibility. The… ### Doorway Pages Doorway pages are low-quality pages created to gain visibility in search engines for specific queries, while offering little real value to users and mainly… ### Data Science Data science is an interdisciplinary field that aims to extract meaningful, usable and actionable insights from data. Smartphones, social media applications, e-commerce websites, online… ### Tag A tag is a marker used to define, classify or organize a piece of content, object, data point or element. The concept of tagging… ## Track the digital heartbeat with Kriko Subscribe to receive curated insights, news, and ideas shaping the digital landscape. By checking this box, you acknowledge and accept our [privacy policy](https://kriko.io/privacy-policy).