What is the Difference Between SQL and SQL Server?

Data professionals must be familiar with the distinction between Structured Query Language and Microsoft SQL Server. There are critical differences between the two concepts despite their frequent interchangeability. Being aware of these differences can allow you to manage your data better. This article will tell you if you want to know how SQL differs from MS SQL servers.

Define SQL and SQL Server

Structured Query Language

It’s a way to save, change, and retrieve data from relational databases through computer language. The industry has adopted it as its standard. It’s important to remember that you can use any language to write commands and queries. However, you require an RDBMS like Oracle or SQL Server to execute them.

Structured Query Language Sub-Division

There are four sub-languages within Structured Query Language, and they are as follows:

Data Definition Language: users are not privy to the specifications of the relational database schema made using DDL. You’ll find commands like CREATE, DROP, ALTER, TRUNCATE, and many more in this.

Data Manipulation Language: Using DML, a database user can access and edit data organised by suitable data models in the database. Database management system commands include SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and many more.
Data Control Language: DCL is a programming language for managing who has access to what data in a database. The GRANT and REVOKE commands are among those available in DCL.

Transaction Control Language: Handles a relational database’s transactions. Commands like COMMIT, ROLLBACK, SAVEPOINT, and many more are available in TCL.

Structured Query Language Server

Both per-core and client access level (CAL) models of commercial licences are available for Microsoft SQL Server. Enterprise Edition and Standard Edition are the two primary MSSQL edition organisations. Individuals can choose from to satisfy their performance and price requirements. Students and developers can build and test with a free version.

Difference Between SQL and MS SQL Server

Examining the distinctions between SQL and MSSQL in detail:

Type:

SQL is a query language. You can use it for query writing for retrieving or manipulating data stored in relational databases.

If you want your SQL statements executed by an RDBMS tool, you’ll need an MSSQL Server. It is either proprietary software or open source. It offers users several features to engage and execute all database activities.

Service and Assistance:

You will get limited availability of maintenance and support solutions for MSSQL. So, Microsoft provides continuous support and upgrades for MSSQL Server. It becomes a more stable and supported alternative when customers get updates on:

Address bugs
Add security, and
Add new features.

Purpose:

You can create commands defining relational database structure using SQL. Data storage, manipulation, and retrieval are all accomplished using SQL queries. Then there’s MSSQL Server, a program that runs SQL queries and commands.

Creator:

In the 1970s, IBM created SQL. It was standardised in 1987 by the IOS and the ANSI in 1986. Contrarily, Microsoft started MSSQL Server in 1989 for business use.

Usage:

One way to manage data in a relational database system is with the help of SQL. Its primary functions are data structure definition, data manipulation, and data querying. MSSQL Server is the way for enterprise-level database management and transaction processing.

Platform Dependency

Data Query Standard (DQS) queries are independent platforms. It ensures you use SQL on any machine, regardless of its OS. Since MSSQL Server is not open source, it cannot be used on all computers, even though it is private software. Therefore, MS SQL Server is a platform-dependent RDBMS.

Application:

Every RDBMS relies on SQL commands and queries to build relational database schemas store, alter, or retrieve data. However, MSSQL Server is helpful as a relational database management system. Both a command-line and a graphical user interface (GUI) version offer to improve user operations.

Updates:

The syntax of SQL stays consistent across all software platforms since it is a standard language.

Since MSSQL is software, it will undergo continuous upgrades by releasing new versions.

Pricing and Licencing:

In contrast to the recent MSSQL Server, licensing and pricing structures differ from older versions. Considering these distinctions in light of your needs and financial constraints is crucial.

Best Way to Learn SQL

If you want to master the SQL course, enroll in Henry Harvin’s SQL Developer Course.

Henry Harvin is a frontrunner among educational technology enterprises globally. Henry Harvin’s SQL Course Online is among the top courses for newcomers. This course covers everything from the most fundamental queries to advanced database administration. You will be investing wisely in your career when you enroll in this course.

Essential Aspects of this Course:

Henry Harvin additionally provides various course benefits and features, some detailed below.

Industry experts craft this course’s exhaustive curriculum. They have extensive experience.
Studying at your pace is possible with access to course materials and learning resources around the clock.
Participate in live instructor-led sessions to dialogue with instructors and fellow students.
Receive a one-year Gold Membership to the Coding Academy.
100% placement assistance for one year following satisfactory completion and skill development sessions
A variety of instructors leads training sessions.
We conduct monthly masterclasses to reinforce concepts.
Chance to Collaborate with Industry-Leading Brands.
Obtain a CSQLD Hallmark Certification from Henry Harvin®.

Conclusion

MS-SQL Server is one database server that uses SQL for querying databases and developing database applications. The Structured Query Language is a set of rules for operating relational databases. You can think of SQL as a programming language, but MSSQL Server as an application.

FAQs

Q.1 Are MS SQL Server and MySQL identical?

Ans: MySQL-Server is a server program that stores data and provides a query interface. However, you can connect to your server using MySQL, a client program.

Q.2 Why do you call MySQL a server?

Ans: A client-server paradigm is the foundation of MySQL. The MySQL server is the central component of MySQL and is responsible for processing all database instructions. You can use MySQL server in a client-server networked setting or integrate it as a library into other programs.

Q.3 Who owns the MySQL Software?

Ans: After acquiring Sun in 2010, Oracle incorporated MySQL into its portfolio.

Q.4 Does Google Utilise MySQL?

Ans: Google does make use of SQL databases. Google employs MySQL for certain products like YouTube and Google AdWords, even though the company is well-known for using NoSQL databases like Bigtable and Spanner.

Q.5 Is Microsoft SQL Server free?

Ans: The free edition of SQL Server, SQL Server 2022 Express, is perfect for creating and deploying small server, web, and desktop applications.

Difference Between SQL and Microsoft SQL Server