Is SQL a Programming Language?

The question, “Is SQL a programming language?” sums up a common argument in programming spaces, as SQL cannot code an entire application but rather queries, updates, and structures data. What makes SQL unique is its specialized use and how it allows you to work with relational databases, managing and manipulating data within them. Its ease of use, scalability, and portability make it an attractive choice for developers, database administrators, and business analysts. Its applications range from data analytics to software development and finance.

What constitutes a programming language, and does SQL fit that definition? 

What is SQL?

Standard query language (SQL) lets you manage relational databases and manipulate them in various ways. It manages data stored in these databases and performs multiple tasks, including deleting, updating, and querying data. SQL is easy to use and understand, making it approachable for beginners since no coding experience is necessary.

In the 1970s, researchers at IBM developed SQL to handle the large amounts of data stored in their mainframe computers. Since then, SQL has become popular for working with relational databases. Professionals worldwide use SQL, including data analysts, database administrators, and developers.

Read more: What Does SQL Stand For?

Characteristics of SQL

Several characteristics make SQL a popular language for managing relational databases:

• Easy to learn: SQL is relatively simple to learn and designed to be easy to read and write. The syntax is straightforward, and the language is based on English words, making it easier for non-programmers to understand.

• Efficient: A key feature of SQL is its high level of flexibility, enabling it to perform many different tasks efficiently. SQL can perform diverse functions within a database, including retrieving and updating data, inserting new data, and deleting data. 

• Scalable: SQL handles large amounts of data and scales up to handle extensive databases. Its design also allows you to work with multiple users and handle multiple requests simultaneously.

• Secure: SQL provides a range of security features that protect data stored in a database. These include user authentication, access control, and data encryption.

SQL applications

You can use SQL applications in various contexts and industries, including web and application development, data science, and business intelligence. Explore SQL applications in more detail below. 

1. Business intelligence and analytics: SQL is commonly used in business intelligence and analytics applications to query and analyze large amounts of data stored in databases. This ability helps businesses efficiently make data-driven decisions and better understand their customers and how to reach them. 

2. Web development: Many web applications store data in SQL databases. SQL creates and manages these databases, and you retrieve data from them using queries.

3. Data science: SQL enables data science applications to optimize their use of data stored in databases, allowing them to transform and analyze data. It can help data scientists gain insights into the data and use it to create predictive models.

4. Mobile applications: SQL databases store data for mobile applications. SQL manages these databases and retrieves data from them.

5. Finance: SQL is commonly used in finance applications to store data properly and enable critical analysis of data sets. For example, finance professionals may use it to gain data-based insights into metrics like stock prices and trading volumes.

Read more: What Is Data Science? Definition, Examples, Jobs, and More

What is a programming language?

“Programming languages” are formal languages you use to give computers instructions and commands, informing them of what steps to take. Programming languages utilize a specific design to be easily understood by both humans and computers, and they create a wide range of software applications, from simple programs to complex systems.

Today, many different programming languages exist for varying purposes. Each language has its syntax and set of rules for programmers to follow. Some popular programming languages include Java, Python, C++, JavaScript, and Ruby.

Read more: Most Popular Programming Languages

Programming language characteristics

Programming languages have several common characteristics that make them useful for writing computer programs. These include syntax, expressiveness, abstraction, and portability.

• Syntax: This set of rules for writing code. It defines the structure of the code, including the order in which statements execute, how variables become declared, and how functions become defined.

• Expressiveness: A programming language’s expressiveness refers to how well it can express complex ideas and concepts. A highly expressive language benefits developers by allowing them to create readable code while being powerful and flexible.

• Abstraction: Programming languages allow developers to work with simplified models of complex systems known as abstractions. These models enable developers to focus on the essential elements of a problem without getting lost in the details.

• Portability: Programming languages use different platforms and operating systems, allowing developers to create code that can run on various devices.

Is SQL a programming language?

Yes, SQL is considered a programming language. While some may debate whether or not SQL is a "true" programming language, it is generally recognized as a language for working with and manipulating data stored in relational databases.

SQL is a declarative language, meaning users describe a query's desired outcome rather than explicitly specify how the database should achieve that outcome. It differs from imperative languages, such as C++ or Python, which require users to provide detailed instructions for the computer to follow.

Read more: SQL vs. NoSQL: The Differences Explained + When to Use Each

Why do some claim SQL to not be a programming language?

While many consider SQL to be a programming language, a few reasons why some people may argue that it is not include: 

1. Limited functionality: While SQL is very powerful for working with and manipulating data in relational databases, it has limited functionality compared to more traditional programming languages. 

2. Declarative nature: As mentioned above, SQL is a declarative language, meaning users describe a query's desired outcome rather than explicitly specify how the database should achieve that outcome. 

3. Different syntax: SQL has a unique syntax compared to other commonly used languages. This syntax focuses on working with data stored in a database and not for more general-purpose programming tasks.

Despite these arguments, the reasons provided in previous sections on SQL's characteristics and applications prove why SQL is a programming language. Again, it is generally accepted as one. However, it offers specialized functionality for working with data stored in relational databases.

Get started in SQL with Coursera.

Is SQL a programming language? While not a general-purpose language like Python or C++, SQL is a programming language made specifically to query and structure databases. 

To learn more about programming languages and SQL, check out Introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL) by the University of Michigan. This course is intermediate level and is conducted entirely online on Coursera. Another relevant course worth checking out is SQL for Data Science by the University of California, Davis. Both can help you understand this programming language better and develop skills working with it.