What is SQL Database?
SQL is the acronym for Structured Query Language. It is used to create relational databases, which are called SQL databases.
An SQL database is a collection of tabulated data that stores specific information in a structured format. Each row reflects the identity of the data in a cell, and each column represents the specific information field to which the data in its cells belongs.
SQL databases can be easily edited and updated using SQL query language.
What Structure Does SQL Database Have?
The data in an SQL database is stored in the form of well-structured tables. In a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS), tables are the foundational objects designed to logically and structurally store large volumes of data.
The structure of a SQL Database consists of rows and columns:
Rows: Rows are also known as records or tuples in a SQL database. They represent individual entries of data within a table. Each row contains a unique piece of data across its columns.
Columns: Columns are also known as fields or attributes. They define the type of information that is stored in the table. Each column represents a specific data attribute across all its rows.
How to Use a SQL Database?
Each SQL database is comprised of multiple rows (records), columns (fields), and a distinct primary key. When a user wants to retrieve information from the database or modify the data within, they execute an SQL query.
For example, in order to retrieve from a SQL database table called “customers,” which is comprised of fields called “name,” “mail,” and “contact number,” you can initiate an SQL query to display the names and contact numbers of customers from the table:
SELECT Name, Contact Number FROM Customers;
This will display all the names and contact numbers of the customers stored in the table.
If you wish to modify the information or insert new customer information into this table, you can use the following SQL query:
INSERT INTO Customers (Name, Email) VALUES (“ohn Doe,”’john@example.com”;
Similarly, if you want to update the information about a customer in your table, you can use the following query to add new data anywhere in the table:
UPDATE Customers SET Email = ‘newemail@example.com’ WHERE Name = ‘John Doe’;
You can also delete data from your SQL database table. If you wish to remove the name of a customer who is no longer associated with your brand, you can use the following command:
DELETE FROM Customers WHERE Name = ‘John Doe’;
What are the Benefits of Using SQL Database?
Using SQL databases provides several benefits to enterprises and individuals:
Flexibility
Using SQL as the programming language, it is extremely easy to add new columns, rows, or tables to an SQL database. Additionally, users can modify the information in a database and implement other changes, all in real-time, using SQL query language and DDL.
Data Consistency
Even for large volumes of data, the structure of the database remains the same, and the methods to modify, update, or use it across applications remain the same regardless of the SQL database server instances. This makes the database operation extremely consistent.
Redundancy Reduction
SQL databases leverage a concept called normalization, using which the data is organized in a way that eliminates anomalies and inconsistencies that come with data insertion, update or deletion. It helps reduce data redundancy in the database.
Optimized Performance
Relational databases provide a wide array of optimization features, such as reduced memory usage, reduced data storage costs, and high processor speeds. These help speed up the performance of all applications housed on the system.
Simple Maintenance
When integrated with automated or AI-based tools for monitoring, repair, and control, the maintenance of SQL databases is extremely simple and streamlined.