What is SQL and how does it work?

Hello, I'm an expert in the field of database management and I'd be happy to explain SQL and how it works. SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It's a domain-specific language used in programming and designed for managing data held in a relational database management system, or a RDBMS. The language was developed in the 1970s by a team led by Donald D. Chamberlin and Raymond F. Boyce at IBM who strived to create a standard for data subsetting and manipulation. SQL works by allowing users to query a database using declarative statements. This means that rather than providing a step-by-step algorithm to reach a result, you simply specify what you want. SQL statements are used for a variety of operations including data query, data manipulation, data definition, and data access control. Here's a basic breakdown of how SQL works: 1. Connect to the Database: Before you can interact with a database, you must establish a connection to it. This is typically done through a database driver or a database management tool. 2. Write SQL Statements: Once connected, you can write SQL statements to perform various tasks. For example, the SELECT statement is used to select data from a database. The UPDATE statement is used to modify data, and the DELETE statement is used to delete data. 3. Execute the Query: After writing your SQL statement, you execute it against the database. The database management system processes the query and returns the result. 4. Retrieve Results: If the query is a select query, it will return a result set which is a table of data that matches the criteria specified in the query. 5. Close the Connection: It's good practice to close the connection once you're done to free up resources. SQL is a powerful tool for managing and manipulating data in databases. It's used by a wide range of professionals including data analysts, software developers, and database administrators.

SQL is used to communicate with a database. According to ANSI (American National Standards Institute), it is the standard language for relational database management systems. SQL statements are used to perform tasks such as update data on a database, or retrieve data from a database.