SQL is a standard and common platform for accessing databases. In this tutorial let’s see what is SQL and how to use it. Without any further ado, lets get started.
What is SQL?
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It let’s you to access databases and modify information on it. It is pronounced as “S-Q-L” or often you may heard as “SEQUEL”. Both are commonly used and correct ways.
What can we do with SQL?
We can access the data in the database, by querying it. We can add data using the queries. Can retrieve the data with queries. We can delete and create records using SQL. Can set permissions on how we can use it.
Basically, if you see the above lines, it is clear to know that we are retrieving data by querying. That is what Query Languages are for. SQL became a standard Query Language for International Organizations in 1987. SQL is a most popular query language used all over the world.
Why should you learn SQL?
If you want to start your career in data field, it is important to have a deep fundamental knowledge in SQL. Now, the question comes. Why MySQL? It is easy, open source and used by many companies. If you look into any requirements or description of any jobs like data scientist, data analyst, data associate and data engineer. You can notice every description have the requirement in SQL. So it is better to start with SQL.
Types of SQL
There are two types in managing database systems. They are,
- Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) and
- Non-Relational Database Management System(NRDBMS).
What is MySQL and why do we use it?
MySQL is a relational database management system. Learning it will increase self value of yourself. Mainly it is free and open source. Many companies like Uber, AirBNB, Netflix, Amazon, Shopify and many other companies use MySQL as their databases.
How does it look like?
Basically, all relational databases consists of tables. These tables are made up of rows and columns. Rows are called as records and the columns are called as fields.
Installing MySQL Workbench
It is very easy to download MySQL in your desktop. You may find many videos in you tube if you search for it. So kindly install it and get back here.
Creating a database
Alright, I think we have seen enough brief of MySQL and DBMS. So, let’s jump into the code on how to create a database.
CREATE DATABASE databasename;As you can see, the commands are in complete caps. It is actually old process. You can use both caps and small cases, still most people full caps habit as it will differentiate it from commands and user defined names.
Example
CREATE DATABASE testDB;
This creates a database names as testDB. In the next article, we will look into some of common syntaxes. If you find this article helpful, share this with your friends and colleagues who will find this useful. If you have any doubts, leave it in the comments section. See you in the next article.
