Getting Started with SQL and Databases: Managing and Manipulating Data with SQL

Appendix 1: Differences Between SQL Dialects

This book covers writing code for the following popular DBMSs:

• PostgreSQL

• MySQL/MariaDB

• MSSQL: Microsoft SQL Server

• SQLite

• Oracle

Although there is an SQL standard, there will be variations in how well these DBMSs support them. For the most part, the SQL is 95% the same, with the most obvious differences discussed later.

As a rule, if there’s a standard and non-standard way of doing the same thing, it’s always better to follow the standard. That way, you can easily work with the other dialects. More importantly, you’re future-proofing your code, as all vendors move toward implementing standards.

Writing SQL

In general, all DBMSs write the actual SQL in the same way. There are a few differences in syntax and ...