What are the differences between T-SQL, SQL Server, and SQL
T-SQL, is Microsoft’s proprietary dialect of SQL, adding procedural programming and custom functions, tailored for their database platform, SQL Server. SQL is a standard language for managing data held in any Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) such as SQL Server.
Key takeaways:
- T-SQL = SQL + Microsoft-specific expansions tailored for SQL Server.
- SQL Server = Microsoft’s database system optimized for T-SQL.
- SQL = Universal language used across RDBMS.
A basic SQL query might look like:
The corresponding T-SQL query leveraging advanced features:
Standard SQL is used for data querying and modification, while T-SQL lets you do all that plus procedural logic and uses local variables. It amplifies SQL capabilities, with constructs like window functions and common table expressions (CTEs). Diving into Microsoft-specificities can prevent confusion, such as the unique handling of transaction scopes or differing null value behavior in T-SQL compared to standard SQL.
The Anchor: SQL
SQL: The Building Blocks
SQL is the foundation of structured data interrogation. It is designed to query, insert, update, and delete data held in relational database systems.
ANSI SQL Standards
Throughout its history, SQL has seen several standard revisions, such as SQL-89, SQL-92, SQL:1999, etc. These denote the evolution of SQL's capabilities.
The Bulk: SQL Server
SQL Server: Your Data's Home
SQL Server is Microsoft's Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). Here, data is stored, retrieved, and manipulated using T-SQL.
SQL Server's Branches
SQL Server offers different editions to suit various needs: Express for lightweight applications, Enterprise for extensive enterprise use, and others.
SQL Server Integrations
Over time, SQL Server has enhanced its integration with other Microsoft services like SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and Azure SQL.
The Spark: T-SQL
Procedural Extensions & Custom Functions
T-SQL takes SQL a step further withstored procedures, triggers, and user-defined functions.
This is where our SQL-journey takes a B-turn; from simple data manipulation to complex procedural logic.
The Power of Control-of-Flow
T-SQL notches up SQL's power by adding control-of-flow keywords like IF...ELSE
, WHILE
, RETURN
, WAITFOR
, and more.
Handling Data More Intricately
T-SQL outshines SQL in the scenarios where you require to output modified data, set transaction locks, using the TRY...CATCH
mechanism for error handling.
Becoming a SQL Guru
SQL vs. T-SQL
T-SQL aligns well with SQL but always remember it has SQL Server-specific features too and it's always good to keep in mind how its variations affect your SQL server operations.
Beyond SQL Server
Beware! If you're a SQL sorcerer working with multiple types of RDBMS such as Oracle or PostgreSQL, you should be well-versed in their SQL dialects like PL/SQL and pgSQL too.
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