How are the SQL commands classified | UBIQ

Last updated on July 29th, 2022 at 03:45 am

The comprehensive guide of frequently used SQL commands

SQL ( Structured Query Language ) commands are sets of instructions, coded into SQL statements, which are then used to communicate with a database to perform specific tasks, work, functions and queries.

What is a database query?

A database query pertains to the process of acquiring data or query from a database. It is generally performed using a database query language that generates data of different formats according to function. SQL is the most popular language used for database queries.

Uses of SQL commands

SQL commands can be used not just for searching the database but also to execute various other functions.

Using SQL commands, you are able to create tables, add data to tables, or modify data, drop the table and even set aside permissions for users.

There are 4 main categories of SQL commands. 

The 4 categories of SQL commands

• DDL (Data Definition Language)
• DML (Data Manipulation Language)
• TCL (Transaction Control Language)
• DCL (Data Control Language)

DDL commands

Data Definition Language consists of the SQL commands that are traditionally used to define the description of the database structure. The database then proceeds to automatically commit the current transaction before and after every DDL Command. ALTER, CREATE and DROP are among some of the DDL commands

DML Commands

Data Manipulation Language commands are generally used for retrieving, sorting, modifying and deleting data stored in the database. DML Commands are used to deal with the management of data present in the objects of a database. Notable DML commands include INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE & SELECT.

TCL Commands

Transaction Control Language is mostly used to deal with any form of transaction within the database.  A transaction is traditionally defined as a unit of work that is performed against a database and they often result in a change in state of the data. TCL commands are used to oversee the details of events affecting data. It’s useful to note that TCL commands are used with DML Commands only. SAVEPOINT, ROLLBACK & COMMIT are among a few of the TCL commands.

DCL Commands

Data Control Language is the set of SQL commands used for providing security to database objects. DCL commands in SQL generally allow the user to dictate and control access to the data within a database. DCL commands are mostly used to generate objects related to user access and to control the distribution of permission among users. REVOKE & GRANT are DCL commands. 

In addition to the above 4 main categories of commands, there are also a number of other commands often used in SQL report building. The below table lists the command and its respective functions

Command	Function
SELECT	Extracts data from a database
UPDATE	Updates data in a database
DELETE	Deletes data from a database
INSERT INTO	Inserts new data into a database
CREATE DATABASE	Creates a new database
ALTER DATABASE	Modifies a database
CREATE TABLE	Creates a new database
ALTER TABLE	Modifies a database
DROP TABLE	Deletes a table
CREATE INDEX	Creates an index (Search Key)
DROP INDEX	Deletes an index

What is an SQL report builder?

A SQL report builder is a software solution that lets its users create a variety of user-friendly and interactive reports. These reports are designed for both technical and non-technical users who can then interact and manipulate data analysis as they wish using an easy to understand interface.

How can an SQL report builder help you?

An SQL report builder has a user-friendly interface and performs a variety of utilities, right from the initial stages of compiling data to displaying it in an accessible and understandable format. It also includes functionalities to build systematic business reports to keep everyone updated.

It is interesting to note that quite a few companies have limited access to reports that would otherwise enable them to make more informed business decisions. This is where an intelligent SQL report builder steps in.
An SQL report builder is not only meant to be used by advanced technical users, but also by every-day users to easily generate their own reports anytime.

The only requirement? An Internet connection.
As long as you have that, with an SQL report builder you can set up your report building process in minutes. 

Also read: What is the difference between MySQL and SQL?