Structured query language has always been one of the most popular programming languages. Companies of all sizes use it to access data and provide business functionality. Believe it or not, it’s been around for 43 years now.
If you have an information system for your business, it pays to know what structured query language (SQL) is and how it can help. Keep reading to learn SQL and its use cases.
What Is Structured Query Language?
A structured query language is a programming language used to access a database server. There are many common ones it can connect to:
- SQL Server
- MySQL
- MariaDB
- Postgres
You use database commands to fetch data, combine database tables, insert data, edit data, and much more. The standard has been around for decades now and hasn’t changed much over time. Every relational database uses the same set of commands to perform essential functions.
On top of that, there may be a few unique commands specific to the database you use. You’ll need to learn those commands to make the most of your database of choice.
Why Use Structured Query Language?
Now that you know what structured query language is, the question becomes, is it worth using over something like a spreadsheet? Check out the benefits SQL can bring.
Safely Store Data:
Anybody can access a regular spreadsheet. Even if you have a password, it isn’t that hard to open the file and access the data. The same isn’t true with SQL.
Your data gets stored on a secure server when you use SQL. Unless you have access to the client program or the database server, your data stays secure on your server, safe from prying eyes.
Flexible Access:
It isn’t easy to have multiple users access and work on a spreadsheet. You have to worry about data quality and ensuring people can access the file. The same isn’t true with SQL.
An SQL program can access data as long as there is a direct connection. This can be from an internal network or a public webserver. That makes SQL data easier to access and work with.
Great Reporting:
While you can get some reporting with spreadsheets, it isn’t the best. On top of that, it can get slow and cumbersome when you have a lot of data.
You have more reporting flexibility when you use SQL. The speed SQL reporting provides means you can quickly generate reports and create more complex reports not possible with standard spreadsheets. You’ll get better reporting and get those reports quicker than any others.
Check out SSRS alternatives to examine your reporting options.
SQL Can Benefit Every Business:
Yes, the structured query language is more complex to set up than a regular excel spreadsheet. However, it also has far more power than you can get with a regular document. Invest in SQL programming today to store your critical data and report it in any way you wish.
Do you want to learn about more tools that are useful in business? Head back to the blog to learn about the latest tech.
