What is the Difference Between SQL and Microsoft SQL Server?

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The main difference between SQL and Microsoft SQL Server is that SQL is a query language used for working with relational databases, while SQL Server is a proprietary database management system developed by Microsoft that uses SQL as its primary query language. Here are some key differences between the two:

  • Type: SQL is a query language, while SQL Server is a database management system.
  • Developed By: SQL was created by IBM in the 1970s and standardized by ANSI and ISO in 1986 and 1987, respectively. SQL Server, on the other hand, is a proprietary software developed by Microsoft.
  • Functionality: SQL is used for creating and managing relational databases, while SQL Server is a computer application that performs SQL queries and provides additional features and functionalities for effectively interacting with the database.
  • Language: SQL is a standard language used to manage and manipulate relational databases, whereas SQL Server uses a dialect of SQL called T-SQL (Transact-SQL), which is proprietary to Microsoft.

In summary, SQL is a language used for interacting with relational databases, while SQL Server is a specific database management system that uses SQL as its primary query language.

Comparative Table: SQL vs Microsoft SQL Server

The main difference between SQL and Microsoft SQL Server is that SQL is a programming language used for managing and manipulating relational databases, while Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) that uses the SQL language for its operations. Here is a table comparing the two:

Feature SQL Microsoft SQL Server
Language SQL is a programming language for managing and manipulating relational databases. Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) that uses the SQL language for its operations.
Functionality SQL is used to create, modify, and retrieve data from database tables, as well as manage database structures. SQL Server provides tools and services for managing large databases, including storing, processing, and analyzing data.
Database Creation SQL can be used with various RDBMS, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle, to create and manage databases. SQL Server is a specific RDBMS that manages databases using the SQL language.
Community and Support SQL has a large community of developers and a wide range of resources for learning and troubleshooting. SQL Server has a dedicated support system and community, as well as specific tools and services tailored to its platform.

To compare data in SQL Server tables, you can use various methods, such as the Tablediff tool, Change Data Capture (CDC), or LEFT JOIN queries. These methods help you identify differences in data, datatypes, and table structures between different SQL Server tables.