Structured Query Language
SQL is a database language used to set definitions for and conduct operations of a relational database. It defines grammar and syntax for issuing requests (queries) to the database management system (DBMS).
Major queries distinguished as "definition" are found in the preparation and modification of tables, while "operation" may consist of retrieving and adding data, and "control" in the start of transactions.
The origins of SQL trace back to the language that was used in the database announced in the 1970's. As vendors recognized the high operability of SQL and adopted it, it has become a de facto standard database language. Initially, it had different formats among vendors, but was standardized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in 1980. In the 1990's, SQL92 was standardized to support such functions as embedded SQL. Even after entering the 2000's, revisions have continuously been made, as exemplified by the standardization of SQL: 2008.
