What is SQL?

Structured Query Language (SQL) refers to a standard programming language utilized

to extract, organize, manage, and manipulate data stored in relational databases. SQL is thereby referred
to as a database language that can execute activities on databases that consist of tables made up of rows
and columns

SQL is an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard that operates via multiple versions and
frameworks to handle backend data across various web applications supported by relational databases
such as MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle PostgreSQL, and others.

How does SQL work?

As an SQL query is written and run, it is processed by the ‘query language processor’ having a parser and
query optimizer. The SQL server then compiles the processed query in three stages:

1. Parsing: This refers to a process that cross-checks the syntax of the query.

2. Binding: This step involves verifying query semantics before executing it.

3. Optimization: The final step generates the query execution plan. The objective here is to identify an
efficient query execution plan that runs in minimal time. This implies that the shorter the response time
for the SQL query, the better the results. Several combinations of plans are generated to have a practical
end execution plan.

Key Benefits of SQL:

Portable language: SQL, being a portable language, can be transferred from one device to another,
where the devices can range from personal computers and servers to laptops and even some mobile
devices. The language is capable of running on local internet and intranet systems.

Fast query processing: Irrespective of the volume of data, SQL is capable of inserting, deleting,
retrieving, and manipulating data quickly and efficiently while ensuring data accuracy. This enables fast
data sharing between users.

No coding skills required: SQL does not demand coding skills like other programming languages. Its user-
friendly trait makes it accessible to all users as they can manage SQL with the help of keywords such as
‘create,’ ‘insert,’ ‘select,’ ‘update,’ and others without possessing any programming skills.

Open source code: Open source SQL solutions such as MySQL, MariaDB, and PostGresSQL provide
accessible SQL databases. This attracts the participation of larger communities at a lower cost.

Top database management system (DBMS) vendors use SQL: The DBMS systems of top companies such
as IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft use SQL, considering the comprehensive benefits it offers.
SQL Commands:

SQL commands are instructions. It is used to communicate with the database. It is

also used to perform specific tasks, functions, and queries of data.

SQL can perform various tasks like create a table, add data to tables, drop the
table, modify the table, set permission for users.

What is NoSQL?
NoSQL databases (aka "not only SQL") are non-tabular databases and store
data differently than relational tables. NoSQL databases come in a variety of types based on their data
model. The main types are document, key-value, wide-column, and graph. They provide flexible schemas
and scale easily with large amounts of data and high user loads.

Overview :-
· What is a NoSQL Database?

· Brief History of NoSQL Databases

· NoSQL Database Features

· Types of NoSQL Database

· Why NoSQL?

· When should NoSQL be Used?

What is a NoSQL database?

When people use the term “NoSQL database”, they typically use it to refer to
any non-relational database. Some say the term “NoSQL” stands for “non SQL” while others say it stands
for “not only SQL”. Either way, most agree that NoSQL databases are databases that store data in a
format other than relational tables.

Brief history of NoSQL databases:-

NoSQL databases emerged in the late 2000s as the cost of storage
dramatically decreased. Gone were the days of needing to create a complex, difficult-to-manage data
model in order to avoid data duplication. Developers (rather than storage) were becoming the primary
cost of software development, so NoSQL databases optimized for developer productivity.

NoSQL database features:-

Each NoSQL database has its own unique features. At a high level, many
NoSQL databases have the following features:

· Flexible schemas

· Horizontal scaling

· Fast queries due to the data model

· Ease of use for developers

Types of NoSQL databases:-

Over time, four major types of NoSQL databases emerged: document databases, key-value databases,
wide-column stores, and graph databases.

· Document databases store data in documents similar to JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
objects. Each document contains pairs of fields and values. The values can typically be a variety
of types including things like strings, numbers, booleans, arrays, or objects.

· Key-value databases are a simpler type of database where each item contains keys and values.

· Wide-column stores store data in tables, rows, and dynamic columns.

· Graph databases store data in nodes and edges. Nodes typically store information about people,
places, and things, while edges store information about the relationships between the nodes.

Why NoSQL?
NoSQL databases are used in nearly every industry. Use cases range from the highly critical(e.g., storing
financial data and healthcare records) to the more fun abrnd frivolous (e.g., storing IoT readings from a
smart kitty litter box.

When should NoSQL be used?

When deciding which database to use, decision-makers typically find one or more of the following
factors lead them to selecting a NoSQL database:

· Fast-paced Agile development

· Storage of structured and semi-structured data

· Huge volumes of data

· Requirements for scale-out architecture0

· Modern application paradigms like microservices and real-time streaming