Updated on 2023-10-23 GMT+08:00

SQL

What Is SQL?

SQL is a standard computer language used to control the access to databases and manage data in databases.

SQL provides different statements to enable you to:

  • Query data.
  • Insert, update, and delete rows.
  • Create, replace, modify, and delete objects.
  • Control the access to a database and its objects.
  • Maintain the consistency and integrity of a database.

SQL consists of commands and functions that are used to manage databases and database objects. SQL can also forcibly implement the rules for data types, expressions, and texts. Therefore, SQL Reference describes data types, expressions, functions, and operators in addition to SQL syntax.

Development of SQL Standards

The development history of SQL standards is as follows:

  • 1986: ANSI X3.135-1986, ISO/IEC 9075:1986, SQL-86
  • 1989: ANSI X3.135-1989, ISO/IEC 9075:1989, SQL-89
  • 1992: ANSI X3.135-1992, ISO/IEC 9075:1992, SQL-92 (SQL2)
  • 1999: ISO/IEC 9075:1999, SQL:1999 (SQL3)
  • 2003: ISO/IEC 9075:2003, SQL:2003 (SQL4)
  • 2011: ISO/IEC 9075:200N, SQL:2011 (SQL5)

SQL Standards Supported by GaussDB

GaussDB supports major SQL2, SQL3, and SQL4 features by default.