Structured Query Language (SQL): A Practical IntroductionThe Structured Query Language, SQL, has emerged in recent years as the standard query language used with relational databases. The SQL language has gained ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ISO (International Standards Organisation) certification and a version of SQL is available for almost any computer system, from a Cray supercomputer to a PC. There is now a growing need for a clear, basic introduction to SQL and its applications. The author sets the scene with an introduction to relational databases and a brief history of the development of SQL. The language is then presented in an overview chapter which describes the functions of the major SQL commands and gives the reader an idea of the power of the language in creating, populating, querying and modifying database tables. Later chapters focus on explaining each of the SQL command groups more fully. The order of topics is carefully chosen as many SQL commands build upon others. |
Common terms and phrases
added allows ALTER ANSI/ISO standard applied base table BOOKS BUDGET called CARS chapter character CHECK clause column column names command CREATE TABLE CREDITS cursor data types DATE DBMS defined definition DELETE DEPARTMENTS table DEPT_NO described Engineering error example EXAMS exec sql executed EXISTS expressions field Figure GRADE GRANT GROUP HEAD holds host language implemented Industrial Law INITL INSERT INTEGER join Jones LECTURERS table look Management mark means modifier Nizamuddin NULL operator output PASS predicate primary key privileges problem processing query READ records refer relational database results table retrieve REVOKE rows Scrivens SELECT statement single specify SQL commands SQL statements SQL Tips STOCK stored string structure STUDENT_NO STUDENTS STUDENTS table SUB_NAME SUB_NO SUBJECTS subquery successfully SURNAME tells transaction true UNIQUE UPDATE valid variables