What are the differences between T-SQL, SQL Server, and SQL

sql

sql-server

t-sql

database-management

byAlex Kataev·Oct 18, 2024

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:

/* Give me, uh... all the customers from London! */
SELECT * FROM Customers WHERE City = 'London';

The corresponding T-SQL query leveraging advanced features:

/* Let's get fancy with ordering and optimization, shall we? */
SELECT CustomerID, ContactName FROM Customers WHERE City = 'London' ORDER BY ContactName OPTION (RECOMPILE);

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.

/* I'm not stalling... I'm delaying execution! */
WAITFOR DELAY '00:00:01';

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.

/* Does coding spark joy? Yes, it does. */
IF @joy = 1
BEGIN
    PRINT "Keep Coding!";
END

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.

explain-codes / Sql / What are the differences between T-SQL, SQL Server, and SQL

Linked

What are good alternatives to SQL (the language)?



Passing List<> to SQL Stored Procedure



Why use SQL database?



Lock Escalation - What's happening here?



When should I use stored procedures?

