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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between SQL and PL SQL?

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SQL and PL/SQL are both languages used for manipulating relational databases, but they have different features and use cases. Here are the key differences between SQL and PL/SQL:

  1. Nature of the language: SQL is a non-procedural, declarative language that executes single queries at a time. PL/SQL, on the other hand, is a procedural language that executes blocks of code at once.
  2. Functionality: SQL is used for creating, maintaining, and retrieving relational databases, as well as fetching, altering, adding, deleting, or manipulating data in a database. PL/SQL extends SQL with additional features like conditional statements, loops, and error handling, allowing for more complex and application-oriented tasks.
  3. Performance: PL/SQL offers better performance than SQL, as it processes multiple SQL statements at the same time as one block, reducing network traffic.
  4. Error handling: PL/SQL is known for its effective error handling capabilities, allowing developers to manage exceptions and take specific actions depending on the type of exception.
  5. Integration with databases: SQL can directly interact with databases and is designed for data manipulation. PL/SQL is an extension of SQL and is primarily application-based, offering more complex data processing capabilities.
  6. **With PL/SQL, you can embed SQL statements in PL/SQL blocks, but PL/SQL cannot be embedded directly in SQL.
  7. Database platform: SQL is a general language that can be used with various database platforms, while PL/SQL is specific to Oracle databases.

In summary, SQL is a simple, non-procedural language for interacting with databases, while PL/SQL is a procedural language with additional features and error handling capabilities that extend SQL for more complex and application-oriented tasks.

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  • What is the Difference Between SQL and PL SQL?
  • Comparative Table: SQL vs PL SQL

    • Comparative Table: SQL vs PL SQL

    Here is a table comparing the differences between SQL and PL/SQL:

    Feature SQL PL/SQL
    Description SQL is a domain-specific programming language used for querying and manipulating data in relational databases. PL/SQL is a procedural language that extends SQL with procedural constructs, enabling the creation of program blocks, procedures, functions, triggers, and packages.
    Basic Nature SQL is declarative, focusing on what needs to be done rather than how things need to be done. PL/SQL is procedural, defining how things need to be done by writing a sequence of instructions.
    Execution SQL executes a single query as a single statement. PL/SQL executes an entire block of code at once, enhancing the functionality of an operation and reducing network traffic.
    Application SQL is mainly used to manipulate data. PL/SQL is mainly used to create applications.
    Performance SQL does not offer high processing speed for voluminous data. PL/SQL offers high processing speed for voluminous data, as the engine processes multiple SQL statements at the same time as one block.
    Error Handling SQL does not provide effective error handling capabilities. PL/SQL effectively handles errors throughout the execution of a PL/SQL program, taking specific actions depending on the type of exception or displaying the exception to the user.

    In summary, SQL is used for querying and manipulating data, while PL/SQL is used for creating procedural programs and extending the capabilities of SQL.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.