Databases have been of great value since the birth of the world’s first organizations and businesses. The information collected by these systems has countless uses. By now, you’ve probably asked yourself, what is a database in a nutshell? Why are they so necessary?
Well, with the development of technology and information technology, the capacity to generate data has increased enormously. The need to organize this information efficiently has given rise to what we know today as databases .
In the past, data was stored in folders and large shelves. Today, we can back up data online through databases, where it can be summarized in a sort of online repository. But with everything digitized, how can we access the information we need in a practical way? Just as we used to search for files in the drawer, we now use SQL, a language that communicates with databases.
To understand what SQL database communication looks like, continue reading our article. Enjoy!
Content
- What does a database do on the Internet?
- What is a relational database?
- What is SQL and what is it used for?
- Origin of the SQL language
- Main features
- SQL Examples
- Bottom line: Why is SQL so important to learn?
What does a database do on the Internet?
A database, in the context of the Internet, is an application that collects information . In other words, it’s a repository of knowledge organized in such a way that it can be accessed and fragments selected at any time.
However, the data collection mechanism is not new; it has existed for a long time, as it became necessary for organizations to gather information about customers, products, suppliers , etc. Even before computers existed, the america phone number list need to record, store, and analyze data gave rise to the first databases. This system worked by recording all the information in paper files—as we mentioned earlier.
Over the years, this method became inefficient. Fortunately, with technological innovations, the process has been greatly simplified. Thus, many types of databases have been created. The most widely used option is relational , which we’ll show you how it works very soon.
What is a relational database?
A database is relational when it is made up of information that has a predefined relationship between them.
Data is organized into tables, which are made up of columns and rows, differentiated by their names. Look at the example:
In a relational database, information is classified according to its characteristics, making it easy to locate.
Some data are related to each other. These relationships are established using unique identifiers, called primary, external, or foreign keys.
Look at an example of the this method helps to attract visitors relationships that can exist between data:
The types of relationships that can exist in a relational database are the following:
- One by one;
- One to many and many to one;
- Many to many;
- Self-referential relations.
Relationships between data can be specified using an SQL database, the operation of which we will explain below.
What is SQL and what is it used for?
This database is known by this name due to the type of SQL (Structured Query Language) programming language, which is used to manipulate the information contained in the database.
The language, based on algebra and relational calculus, allows many operations to be performed on a database.
SQL makes it possible to query data very easily, using commands to select, update, insert, and find the location of specific information.
Origin of the SQL language
The history of SQL begins in 1970, when Dr. Edgar F. “Ted” Codd, working at IBM’s research laboratories, described a type of language for specifying the characteristics of relational databases.
At first it was called SEQUEL (Structured English Query Language), but after a long period of experiments – and for legal reasons – they changed its name to SQL.
The language was adopted by the company and many of its customers. In 1981, IBM began commercializing this system, allowing companies such as Oracle and Sybase to develop their relational products based on SQL.
In 1986, ANSI adopted IBM’s SQL as the standard for relational languages; and in 1987, it became an ISO standard. Since then, it has undergone numerous revisions, making it a system capable of handling increasingly complex data.
Main features of SQL
- It is used for data storage and manipulation operations;
- It uses tables as a fundamental element and is a universal language;
- Those who use this type of language are valued and are well rewarded;
- It greatly facilitates access to data, in addition to having secure management;
- It is capable of handling large records and managing numerous transactions;
- It can be integrated into web programming languages, such as PHP or ASP .
The SQL language is open source. Its common commands are: Select, Create, Insert, Delete, and Update.
In addition, SQL is compatible with fax list relational database management systems such as MS Access, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle Database, SAP HANA, SAP Adaptive Server, etc.
SQL Examples
In the following tutorial, presented by Marco Garibaldi on his YouTube channel , we’ll explore some essential commands for discovering data sources, payment orders, and much more using SQL! Don’t miss it:
Bottom line: Why is SQL so important to learn?
SQL database management is a very important task in the business world.
Companies also recognize the value that an expert in SQL language brings to their organization. In this sense, the significant job opportunities that exist around this knowledge are evident.
All digital businesses should have a database system, as it is the best way to gather information over a period of time , such as:
- What is the amount of sales?
- How much has been invested in products?
- How much have expenses been reduced?
- How many customers have been served?
The future is very bright for people who want to properly manage a SQL database. Due to the growing need in organizations to process valuable information intelligently, securely, and efficiently,