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Relational Databases and SQL

As mentioned in the Introduction, SQL is the most widely used software tool for communicating with data residing in relational databases. In this endeavor, SQL utilizes elements of both language and logic. As a language, SQL employs a unique syntax with many English words, such as WHERE, FROM, and HAVING. As an expression of logic, it specifies the details of how data in a relational database is retrieved or updated.

With this duality in mind, we attempt to emphasize both language and logic components as we present the topics that make up SQL. In all languages, whether they be spoken or in computer code, there are numerous words to learn and remember. As such, we will present the various SQL keywords one at a time ...

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