SQL (Structured Query Language) and MySQL are related but distinct entities.
SQL (Structured Query Language):
Definition: SQL is a standardized programming language used for managing and manipulating relational databases.
Purpose: SQL is used to interact with and manage relational databases. It provides a standard set of commands for tasks such as querying data, updating data, inserting data, and deleting data in a database.
Usage: SQL is not a database itself but a language. It is used with various relational database management systems (RDBMS) such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, and others.
MySQL:
Definition: MySQL is a specific relational database management system (RDBMS) that uses SQL as its query language.
Purpose: MySQL is designed to efficiently handle database operations. It allows users to create, modify, and interact with databases using SQL commands.
Features: MySQL provides features like data security, transactions, indexing, and various storage engines. It is often used in web development for applications that require a reliable and scalable database.
In summary, SQL is a language used for managing relational databases, and MySQL is a specific relational database management system that implements the SQL language. Other database management systems, such as PostgreSQL and Oracle, also use SQL as their query language, but they are distinct from MySQL in terms of features, performance, and licensing.