About SQL

SQL Structured Query Language) is a language that lets you communicate with databases. For example, you can use SQL to retrieve data from a database, add data to a database, delete or update records in a database, change columns in multiple rows, add columns to tables, and add and delete tables.

Using SQL to interact with a database

Unlike other computer languages, SQL is made up of a small number of language elements that let you interact efficiently with a database. Some of the more frequently used elements include these SQL commands:

Command

Description

SELECT

Use to retrieve (query) information in a database.

INSERT

Use to add records to a database.

UPDATE

Use to update information in a database.

DELETE

Use to delete information in a database.

Command	Description
SELECT	Use to retrieve (query) information in a database.
INSERT	Use to add records to a database.
UPDATE	Use to update information in a database.
DELETE	Use to delete information in a database.

In Part II of this book, you will be introduced to the syntax of these commands when you use them to build a ColdFusion application that interacts with a database. For additional information about SQL, consult any SQL primer.

Getting Started Building ColdFusion MX Applications
Database Fundamentals

About SQL

Using SQL to interact with a database

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