Structured Query Language (SQL) is a programming language that enables storing, retrieving, and manipulating information in a relational database. As a declarative language, it provides a consistent method for web developers and programmers to communicate with these storage systems, regardless of the database management system (DBMS) in use. SQL allows users to define their objectives, leaving the execution to the system itself.
SQL is instrumental in handling information stored in company databases, including product details, customer information, orders, and return on investment (ROI) statistics. While spreadsheet applications like Excel and Google Sheets organize and present this data, SQL is indispensable when its volume exceeds the handling capacity of these basic programs.
For example, SQL can perform complex queries such as retrieving all customers who made a purchase in the last 30 days and spent more than $500. The ability to quickly retrieve this information is valuable to a company to analyze their target market.
