What is SQL and How is it Used?

In today's data-driven world, the ability to manage and manipulate information efficiently is crucial for success in both technology and business careers. Whether you're pursuing a degree in information technology or looking to enhance your business analytics skillset, understanding SQL (Structured Query Language) is becoming increasingly essential.

Understanding SQL: The Language of Databases

SQL is a standard programming language used to communicate with and manipulate databases. First developed in the 1970s by IBM scientists, SQL was designed to be more accessible than many other programming languages, using English-like keywords that make it easier to learn and apply. This simplicity is one reason why SQL has become so widely adopted across industries and remains relevant decades after its creation.

At its core, SQL allows you to perform essential database operations: storing information, updating records, removing outdated data, searching for specific entries and retrieving the exact information you need. These capabilities make SQL invaluable for anyone working with relational database management systems such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle and SQL Server.

Common SQL Commands Every Professional Should Know

Learning SQL means understanding its basic functions and commands. Here are the most fundamental operations you'll use regularly:

SELECT is perhaps the most frequently used command, allowing you to retrieve data from database tables. You can filter results, order them in specific ways and pull exactly the information you need from thousands or even millions of records.

INSERT enables you to add new data entries to your database, whether you're recording new client information, logging transactions or adding product details.

UPDATE lets you modify existing records without having to delete and recreate them, making it easy to keep information current and accurate.

DELETE removes specific records from your database when they're no longer needed, helping maintain data quality and relevance.

CREATE and ALTER commands allow you to define new database tables and modify existing structures, giving you control over how your data is organized.

These commands form the foundation of SQL, and mastering them can significantly improve your workflow when managing business operations, looking up client files or analyzing historical information.

Why SQL Matters for Your Career

The rise of big data analytics has made SQL skills increasingly valuable for job candidates across many fields. SQL expertise is now in high demand for roles in IT, data science, business intelligence and even general business management positions.

For technology students, SQL is a fundamental tool you'll use throughout your career. It integrates seamlessly with programming languages like Python and Java, making it an essential part of modern software development and data science applications. The language's support for reliable transaction processing and robust data security features ensures it remains the go-to solution for managing critical business data.

For business professionals and entrepreneurs, SQL knowledge empowers you to make data-driven decisions without always relying on technical staff. When you can query your own databases to answer questions about sales trends, customer behavior or inventory levels, you gain independence and speed in your decision-making process.

Building Your SQL Skillset

The good news is that SQL is designed to be learnable, even for those with limited programming experience. Its declarative nature means you describe what you want rather than exactly how to get it, making it more intuitive than many other programming languages.

Whether you're interested in Herzing business programs that incorporate data analytics or our technology degree programs with a focus on database management and cybersecurity, understanding SQL will serve you well. The language's widespread use across industries means that once you learn it, you'll find applications in nearly every sector.

As databases continue to grow in size and importance, SQL remains the reliable, efficient and standardized way to interact with the structured data that drives modern business. By investing time in learning SQL now, you're building a skill that will benefit your career for years to come.