Almost Every Web Page You Visit Has SQL Behind It (2024)

The Structured Query Language (SQL) is the set of instructions used to interact with a relational database. In fact, SQL is the only language that most databases understand. Whenever you interact with such a database, the software translates your commands (whether they are mouse clicks or form entries) into a SQL statement that the database knows how to interpret. SQL has three main components: the Data Manipulation Language (DML), the Data Definition Language (DDL), and the Data Control Language (DCL).

Almost Every Web Page You Visit Has SQL Behind It (1)

Common Uses of SQL on the Web

As a user of any database-driven software program, you’re probably using SQL, even if you don’t know it. For example, a database-driven dynamic web page (like most websites) takes user input from forms and clicks and uses it to compose a SQL query that retrieves information from the database required to generate the next web page.

Consider the example of a simple online catalog with a search function. The search page might consist of a form containing just a text box in which you enter a search term and then click a search button. When you click the button, the web server retrieves any records from the product database containing the search term and uses the results to create a web page specific to your request.
For example, if you searched for products containing the term "Irish," the server might use the following SQL statement to retrieve related products:

SELECT *
FROM products
WHERE name LIKE '%irish%'

Translated, this command retrieves any records from the database table named "products" that contain the characters "irish" anywhere within the product name.

Data Manipulation Language

The Data Manipulation Language (DML) contains the subset of SQL commands used most frequently — those that simply manipulate the contents of a database in some form. The four most common DML commands retrieve information from a database (the SELECT) command, add new information to a database (the INSERT command), modify information currently stored in a database (the UPDATE command), and remove information from a database (the DELETE command).

Data Definition Language

The Data Definition Language (DDL) contains commands that are less frequently used. DDL commands modify the actual structure of a database, rather than the database’s contents. Examples of commonly used DDL commands include those used to generate a new database table (CREATE TABLE), modify the structure of a database table (ALTER TABLE), and delete a database table (DROP TABLE).

Data Control Language

The Data Control Language (DCL) is used to manage user access to databases. It consists of two commands: the GRANT command, used to add database permissions for a user, and the REVOKE command, used to remove existing permissions. These two commands form the core of the relational database security model.

Structure of an SQL Command

Fortunately for those of us who aren’t computer programmers, SQL commands are designed to have a syntax similar to the English language. They normally begin with a command statement describing the action to take, followed by a clause that describes the target of the command (such as the specific table within a database affected by the command) and finally, a series of clauses that provide additional instructions.

Often, simply reading an SQL statement out loud will give you a very good idea of what the command is intended to do. Take a moment to read this example of a SQL statement:

DELETE
FROM students
WHERE graduation_year = 2014

Can you guess what this statement will do? It accesses the student's table of the database and deletes all records for students who graduated in 2014.

Almost Every Web Page You Visit Has SQL Behind It (2024)

FAQs

What does it mean when a website says SQL? ›

Structured query language (SQL) is a programming language for storing and processing information in a relational database. A relational database stores information in tabular form, with rows and columns representing different data attributes and the various relationships between the data values.

What is the role of SQL in a web page? ›

It is expressly used to manage and manipulate data in databases. You may not need SQL to create great web applications as a developer. However, a knowledge of SQL will help you interact with databases that power your website. This is particularly important when building websites that use dynamic data.

Is SQL still used in websites? ›

So many programming languages have come and gone, but SQL remains. And it has a bright future still. SQL, the Structured Query Language, remains one of the most widely used programming languages, coming in fourth in Stack Overflow's research for 2023.

Should SQL browser be disabled? ›

Unless there is a named instance on the same server, there is typically no reason for the SQL Server Browser service to be running. In this case it is strongly suggested that the SQL Server Browser service remain disabled.

Why am I getting an SQL error? ›

This SQL error generally means that somewhere in the query, there is invalid syntax. Some common examples: Using a database-specific SQL for the wrong database (eg BigQuery supports DATE_ADD, but Redshift supports DATEADD) Typo in the SQL (missing comma, misspelled word, etc)

What is SQL example? ›

An SQL SELECT statement retrieves records from a database table according to clauses (for example, FROM and WHERE ) that specify criteria. The syntax is: SELECT column1, column2 FROM table1, table2 WHERE column2='value';

Do I need SQL for my website? ›

SQL is an important language for web developers because it lets them interact with databases. It's also important for website owners to know about SQL for two reasons: You can use it to get information from your database and you can use it to create tables and organize data in your database.

Where is SQL used in real life? ›

SQL is used in everyday life by some of the biggest companies like Netflix, Linkedin, Amazon, Flipkart, Instagram. Uber for data analysis and performance analysis. Even small companies and startups employ SQL for similar purposes. SQL is a great tool for interacting with databases and fetching vital data.

Is SQL dying out? ›

Evolution, Not Extinction:

Rather than fading into obscurity, SQL has adapted to the changing technological landscape. While new databases and alternative data storage solutions have emerged, SQL has integrated itself into various technologies.

Does Chrome use SQL? ›

Web SQL Database is a deprecated web browser API specification for storing data in databases that can be queried using SQL variant. The technology was only ever implemented in Blink-based browsers like Google Chrome and the new Microsoft Edge, and WebKit-based browsers like Safari.

What is SQL being replaced with? ›

SQL will not be replaced for a long time, as it has a number of key benefits: It is very popular among data professionals. Leading tech companies rely on relational databases and SQL. Professionals working with data are used to SQL; it's quite challenging to re-train the workforce to use another tool.

How to get data from SQL to website? ›

The MySQL database responds by sending the requested content to the PHP script. The PHP script stores the content into one or more PHP variables, then uses echo statements to output the content as part of the web page. The PHP interpreter finishes up by handing a copy of the HTML it has created to the web server.

How do web developers use SQL? ›

Structured Query Language, or SQL, is the primary programming language used to manage and interact with relational databases. SQL can perform various operations such as creating, updating, reading, and deleting records within a database.

How do I find the SQL database on a website? ›

Check the website's source code: Right-click on the webpage and select "View page source" or "Inspect element." Search for keywords related to database technologies like "MySQL," "PostgreSQL," "MongoDB," or "Oracle." If you find these keywords, it might indicate the type of database being used.

How do I know if SQL browser is running? ›

To verify the SQL Server or SQL Server Express Browser Service is running:
  1. Open SQL Server Configuration Manager.
  2. In the left pane, select the SQL Server services.
  3. In the right pane, ensure that SQL Server Browser is set to Running.

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