What are the main SQL commands?

Main SQL commands include SELECT for querying data, INSERT for adding records, UPDATE for modifying data, DELETE for removing records, CREATE for building database objects, ALTER for modifying structures, and DROP for removing objects. These commands are categorized into DQL (Data Query Language), DML (Data Manipulation Language), and DDL (Data Definition Language).

How do I write a basic SQL query?

A basic SQL query uses the SELECT statement: SELECT column1, column2 FROM table_name WHERE condition. For example: SELECT name, email FROM customers WHERE city = 'New York'; This retrieves specific columns from the customers table for records where the city is New York.

What is the difference between SQL and NoSQL?

SQL databases are relational, using structured tables with predefined schemas and supporting complex queries with JOINs, while NoSQL databases are non-relational, offering flexible schemas, horizontal scalability, and simpler query languages. SQL is better for complex relationships and transactions, while NoSQL excels with large-scale, unstructured data.

What are SQL joins and when do I use them?

SQL joins combine data from multiple tables based on related columns. INNER JOIN returns matching records, LEFT JOIN returns all records from the left table and matching from the right, RIGHT JOIN does the opposite, and FULL OUTER JOIN returns all records from both tables. Use joins when you need data from related tables in a single query.

Learn SQL through online courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy, practice with interactive platforms like SQLZoo or LeetCode, work with real databases using MySQL or PostgreSQL, study official documentation, and build projects that require database operations. Start with basic SELECT queries and progress to complex joins and aggregations.

What are SQL aggregate functions?

SQL aggregate functions perform calculations on groups of rows: COUNT() counts rows, SUM() totals numeric values, AVG() calculates averages, MIN() finds minimum values, MAX() finds maximum values. Use them with GROUP BY to analyze data by categories, such as calculating average sales by region or counting customers by age group.

Can SQL handle big data?

Yes, modern SQL can handle big data through distributed databases like BigQuery, Snowflake, and Redshift, as well as SQL-on-Hadoop solutions like Hive and Spark SQL. These platforms distribute queries across multiple nodes, enabling analysis of massive datasets while maintaining familiar SQL syntax.

What are SQL subqueries?

SQL subqueries are queries nested within other queries, allowing complex data retrieval. For example: SELECT name FROM customers WHERE id IN (SELECT customer_id FROM orders WHERE total > 1000); Subqueries can return single values, lists, or tables, enabling sophisticated filtering and calculations based on related data.

Is SQL still relevant in the age of AI?

Yes, SQL remains highly relevant as the standard language for database operations. While AI and machine learning add new capabilities, SQL is essential for data preparation, feature engineering, and accessing structured data that feeds AI models. Modern platforms combine SQL with AI for enhanced analytics capabilities.

What is SQL (Structured Query Language)?

FireAI Team

Technology

0 Min ReadJan 14, 2026

Quick Answer

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standardized programming language used to manage and manipulate relational databases. It enables users to query, insert, update, and delete data through simple English-like commands, making database operations accessible to both technical and non-technical users.

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