Question

What is SQL and where does it come from?

Answer 1

Structured Query Language (SQL) is a language that provides an interface to relational database systems. SQL was developed by IBM in the 1970s for use in System R, and is a de facto standard, as well as an ISO and ANSI standard. SQL is often pronounced SEQUEL. In common usage SQL also encompasses DML (Data Manipulation Language), for INSERTs, UPDATEs, DELETEs and DDL (Data Definition Language), used for creating and modifying tables and other database structures.

The development of SQL is governed by standards. A major revision to the SQL standard was completed in 1992, called SQL2. SQL3 support object extensions and will be (partially?) implemented in Oracle8.

Answer 2

The proper pronunciation of SQL, and the preferred pronunciation within Oracle Corp, is "sequel" and not "ess cue ell". SQL was developed by IBM in the 1970s for use in System R, and is a de facto standard, as well as an ISO and ANSI standard.

or

SQL (Structured Query Language) provides an interface to RDBS (Relational database systems).SQL was developed by IBM in the 1970s for use in System R, and is a de facto standard, as well as an ISO and ANSI standard. SQL is often pronounced SEQUEL.Structured Query Language (SQL) is a specialized language for updating, deleting, and requesting information from databases.

In common usage SQL also encompasses Data Manipulation Language (DML), for INSERTs, UPDATEs,DELETEs and Data Definition Language (DDL), used for creating and modifying tables and other database structures.

The development of SQL is governed by standards. A major revision to the SQL standard was completed in 1992, called SQL2. SQL3 support object extensions and are (partially?) implemented in Oracle8 and 9.