SQL and states its functions

Database management systems are pieces of computer software that interact with the user to acquire, process, and analyze data. They also allow for the definition, development, and administration of queries and the database itself. Many computer languages are used to carry out the operation, and one of them is SQL, or simply structured query language.

According to Stonebraker (2010), SQL is a standardized language for database communication. It employs statements to store, manipulate, retrieve, and manage data in a database. Structured query language, or SQL, is an acronym according to the American National Standard Institute (ANSI). In database management systems, SQL has numerous functions which are mostly used for performing processing on strings or numeric data in a database. The functions are stored together as inputs on certain criteria to form a single and more important meaning as per (Harkins, 2002). Below are the major functions used in transaction in a database:-

Aggregate function- these are functions that are used to group different

String functions- they let user extract various portions using the left function, right function, reverse function and replace function in a database transaction.

Numeric/math functions- numeric function using additive, subtractive, multiplicative functions to perform transactions in a database

Date/ time functions this contains time-related functions, they include ADDDATE which adds date, ADDTIME, adds time to a database and also the conversion of from one time zone to another (Sumathi, 2007), in a nutshell, date function entails any transaction involving time.

Conversion function. This used in conversion of datatype from one form to another

Advanced functions. These are functions are used to perform complex transactions in a database, from (Sumathi, 2007) these entails ranking, statistical operations, running totals, cumulative percent to totals

The most enjoyable part of studying SQL is the interaction part with developers as well as how SQL helps in perceiving the environment. However, it helped in solving some ambiguous problems that learner face day to day in my line of study since it combines different data from multiple sources. Also, liked the interaction of database with servers which makes a student’s career achievable and more of a reality than a dream. Transforming and solving a complex task makes one feel like a king after finding a solution to it using SQL.

However in the process of learning and understanding SQL there quite some challenges have encountered is the query challenges at the entry level of SQL class however with time it become a walkover since there is no longer misunderstanding of the concepts and also poor and incomplete commands in the data execution or database transaction. Practicalities in the line of study helps the art mastery and efficiency in the language.

References

Harkins, S. S., & Reid, M. W. (2002). Structured query language. In SQL: Access to SQL Server (pp. 1-5). Apress.

Stonebraker, M. (2010). SQL databases v. NoSQL databases. Communications of the ACM, 53(4), 10-11.

Sumathi, S., & Esakkirajan, S. (2007). Structured Query Language. Fundamentals of Relational Database Management Systems, 111-212.