Introduction SQL: The Structured Query Language (SQL) is a standard database language for creating, maintaining, and retrieving relational databases. SQL has the following advantages:
SQL could be considered a high-level language with a higher level of abstraction than procedural languages.
It enables system personnel and end-users to work with various database management systems where they are accessible.
Portability. When the underlying DBMS needs to be upgraded or altered, such porting may be required.
SQL specifies what is required rather than how it should be done:
Introduction to PL/SQL: PL/SQL is a block-structured programming language that allows developers to mix SQL capabilities with procedural expressions. All of the statements in a block are sent to the Oracle engine at the same time, increasing processing speed and decreasing traffic. PL/SQL is an abbreviation for "Procedural Language Extensions to SQL." PL/SQL is a database-oriented programming language that adds procedural capabilities to SQL. Oracle Corporation created it in the early 1990s to enhance the capabilities of SQL. PL/SQL extends SQL with selective (i.e., if... then... otherwise...) and iterative constructs (i.e., loops). PL/SQL is especially useful for creating triggers and maintaining processes. Stored procedures are units of procedural code that are kept in a compiled form within the data. The following are the benefits of PL/SQL:
Comparisons of SQL and PLSQL:
Sr. No. | Basis of Comparison | SQL | PL/SQL |
1. | Definition | It is a database Structured Query Language. | It is a SQL-based database programming language. |
2. | Variables | SQL does not support variables. | Variables, restrictions, and data types are all supported in PL/SQL. |
3. | Control structures | Control Structures such as for loop, if, and other are not supported. | Control structures such as for loop, while loop, if, and others are accessible.. |
4. | Nature of Orientation | It is a data-oriented programming language. | It is an application-oriented programming language. |
5. | Operations | In SQL, a query executes a single action. | PL/SQL block performs Group of Operation as a single block resulting in reduced network traffic. |
6. | Declarative/ Procedural Language | Because the PL/SQL block performs Group of Operations as a single block, network traffic is reduced. | PL/SQL is a procedural programming language. |
7. | Embed | SQL can be incorporated into PL/SQL. | SQL cannot contain PL/SQL. |
8. | Interaction with Server | It communicates directly with the database server. | It has no direct interaction with the database server. |
9. | Exception Handling | SQL does not handle errors or exceptions. | PL/SQL handles errors and exceptions. |
10. | Writes | It is used to create queries that use DDL and DML statements (Data Definition Language and Data Manipulation Language, respectively). | PL/SQL can be used to create code blocks, functions, procedures, triggers, and packages. |
11. | Processing Speed | SQL does not have a fast processing speed for large amounts of data. | PL/SQL has a fast processing speed for large amounts of data.. |
12. | Application | SQL allows you to retrieve, modify, add, delete, or manipulate data in a database. | You can use PL/SQL to create apps that display SQL data in a logical manner. |
