What is SQL and why is it important for companies?

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Date: 29 June 2020

A businessman using tablet pc and selecting sql

SQL stands for Structured Query Language and it is one of the most important, widely used programming languages in the business world. But why is this such a vital tool for companies to be aware of?

What can be done with SQL?

SQL is largely used for setting up, organising and querying databases. It is one of the simplest ways of storing and accessing information when you need it. Despite being over 40 years old, SQL remains a vital part of the business world.

As most businesses are completely reliant on their databases, there are some powerful reasons for making the change to SQL as a way of managing your databases. Technology may have changed a lot since SQL was first introduced, but the way it operates by interacting with relational databases remains as valid as ever.

In fact, the Stack Overflow Developer's Survey in 2017 revealed that SQL was the second most-used programming language behind JavaScript. Out of the 64,000 developers surveyed, over 50% said that they use it.

Given the importance of data to modern businesses in everything from lead generation to marketing, SQL is a powerful tool in ensuring that the data collected can be used effectively, allowing for fine-tuning the process to each individual company's needs.

Despite this, many businesses remain either oblivious to its benefits or wary of implementing its solutions. In fact, it was pointed out by Forrester that, according to their research, 73% of data isn't used for analysis purposes.

How SQL solutions can be implemented

One of the great things about SQL is that many employees are already familiar with it. In 1987, it became part of the International Organisation for Standardisation's collection of standards under the moniker of ISO 9075, and it is used by thousands of businesses around the world.

It is also regarded as being among the simplest programming languages to use, meaning that many people choose to learn it. It includes simple, intuitive commands that can be implemented without the need for extensive training.

With SQL, data can often be shared between databases with minimal changes and it is also highly flexible, with access from different devices permitted. Security is enhanced because only a certain group of workers need to have access. It can also be used to show information on a website or internal collaboration system, if needed.

What's more, advanced tools offer extra benefits through processes such as SQL server performance tuning. This allows companies to look for bottlenecks and find out query execution times, thus identifying and implementing ways to improve the performance of servers and databases.

Copyright 2020. Article made possible by Darren Politt

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