What does SQL stand for? SQL stands for Structured Query Language, the standard language people use to store, find and change data in a relational database. A relational database keeps information in tables of rows and columns, and SQL is how you ask those tables questions.
Banks, schools, online stores and hospitals all run on databases, so SQL sits behind many things you use daily, from a library catalog search to a pharmacy refill record.
Quick facts
Stands for
Structured Query LanguageSQL full form origin
First named SEQUEL, Structured English Query LanguageHow to say it
S Q L or "sequel"; both are commonType
Initialism or acronym, depending on how you say itStarted
Developed in the 1970s; became an ANSI standard in 1986Used in
Databases, data analysis, back end softwareOther meanings
Sales qualified lead, in marketing
SQL full form, letter by letter
| Letter | Word | Sense |
|---|---|---|
| S | Structured | Works with data laid out in tables |
| Q | Query | A question you send to the database |
| L | Language | A set of commands with fixed rules |
Researchers built the language in the early 1970s and first called it SEQUEL, for Structured English Query Language. The name was later cut to SQL because of a trademark conflict, but the old name lives on in the way many people say it.
What does SQL stand for in day to day work?
In practice, SQL is a short set of commands that read like plain English. Four of them do most of the work:
- SELECT pulls rows out of a table.
- INSERT adds new rows.
- UPDATE changes existing rows.
- DELETE removes rows.
A simple query: SELECT name, grade FROM students WHERE grade >= 90; This asks the students table for the name and grade of every student who scored 90 or higher.
Data analysts use SQL to build reports, developers use it inside apps, and database administrators use it to keep data safe and fast.
Sequel or S Q L: how to say it
Both pronunciations are correct and widely used. "S Q L," letter by letter, makes it an initialism. "Sequel" treats the letters as one spoken word, so in that case people call it an acronym. Many people pick one and switch to match their team. In writing, choose the article that fits how you say it: "an SQL query" if you say the letters, "a SQL query" if you say sequel. The acronym vs abbreviation page explains the difference.
In print, SQL is always capitalized and has no periods.
SQL standards and dialects
SQL became a standard of ANSI in 1986 and of the International Organization for Standardization a year later. Database products follow that standard but add their own extras, so each has a slightly different dialect. A basic SELECT works almost everywhere, while advanced functions may need small changes when you move between systems.
Example sentences
- "I wrote a SQL query to find last month's orders."
- "The job posting asks for basic SQL skills."
- "Our app stores customer data in a SQL database."
- "She is learning SQL to analyze survey results."
- "The team turned 40 SQLs into new customers this quarter."
The last sentence uses the sales meaning. The rest mean Structured Query Language.
Questions people ask
What does SQL stand for in computers?
Structured Query Language, a language for creating, reading, changing and deleting data in relational databases.
Is SQL pronounced sequel?
Many people say sequel, and many say S Q L. Both are accepted, and neither is wrong.
Is SQL a programming language?
It is a query language with a narrow job: working with data in databases. Many people still count it as a programming language, and it is a common skill on tech job listings.
What does SQL stand for in sales?
In sales and marketing, SQL means sales qualified lead, a prospect who is ready to talk with a salesperson.
Is SQL hard to learn?
The basics are fairly easy because the commands read like short English phrases. Advanced topics such as joins and performance take longer.