what is SQL and SQL* plus?

What is SQL?

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standard language used to communicate with relational databases. It is used to create, store, retrieve, update, and delete data from databases.

Features of SQL

• Create databases and tables
• Insert, update, and delete records
• Retrieve data using queries
• Define relationships between tables
• Control user access and permissions

Example SQL Commands

-- Create a table
CREATE TABLE Student (
    StudentID INT,
    Name VARCHAR(50),
    City VARCHAR(30)
);

-- Insert data
INSERT INTO Student VALUES (1, 'Rahul', 'Rajkot');

-- Retrieve data
SELECT * FROM Student;

-- Update data
UPDATE Student
SET City = 'Ahmedabad'
WHERE StudentID = 1;

-- Delete data
DELETE FROM Student
WHERE StudentID = 1;

What is SQL*Plus?

SQL*Plus is a command-line tool provided by the Oracle Corporation for interacting with Oracle databases.

It allows users to:

• Execute SQL statements
• Run PL/SQL programs
• Create reports
• Manage Oracle databases
• Save query results to files

Features of SQL*Plus

• Command-line interface for Oracle Database
• Supports SQL and PL/SQL execution
• Generates formatted reports
• Executes script files (.sql)
• Database administration tasks

Example SQL*Plus Session

SQL> CONNECT system/password;

Connected.

SQL> SELECT * FROM Student;

STUDENTID  NAME   CITY
---------  -----  ----------
1          Rahul  Rajkot

Difference Between SQL and SQL*Plus

In Simple Words

• SQL = The language used to communicate with databases.
• SQL*Plus = Oracle’s tool that lets you write and execute SQL commands.

Example:
If SQL is a language like English, then SQL*Plus is a text editor where you write and run that language.