Introduction to SQL: Mastering the Relational Database Language, Fourth Edition/20th Anniversary Edition

Chapter 1. Introduction to SQL

Introduction

In this chapter, we provide a general description of SQL, give the background and history of SQL, and discuss several applications areas of the language. We also cover basic subjects, such as the database and database server. SQL is based on the theory of the relational model. To use SQL, some knowledge of this model is invaluable. Therefore, in Section 1.3, we describe the relational model. In Section 1.4, we briefly describe what SQL is, what can be done with the language, and how it differs from other languages (such as Java, Visual Basic, or Pascal). Section 1.6 is devoted to the history of SQL. Although SQL is thought of as a very modern language, it has a history dating back to 1972. SQL has been ...