2.4. Structured Query Language

SQL is a semi-English-like language used to manipulate relational databases. It is based on an ANSI standard, though very few SQL implementations actually adhere to the standard.

SQL statements are mostly case insensitive these days. While most books and references use upper-case, these notes use lower-case throughout for readability, and because the likelihood of needing to deal with older databases which only understand upper-case is becoming increasingly slim.

The syntax given in these coursenotes is cut down for simplicity; for full information, consult your database system's documentation. The MySQL documentation is available on our system in /usr/doc/mysql-doc and /usr/doc/mysql-manual, or by pointing your web browser at http://training.netizen.com.au/.