SQL — Structured Query Language
Definition: The standard language for querying and manipulating relational databases. Despite countless attempts to replace it, SQL has been dominant since the 1970s.
Example
`SELECT name FROM users WHERE active = true` is SQL. Every analyst, data engineer, and most developers need it.
When you'll hear it
SQL shows up most often in engineering planning, architecture reviews, and sprint retrospectives. When someone uses it, they're usually referring to structured query language — and they expect the room to already know what that means.
FAQs
What does SQL stand for?
SQL stands for Structured Query Language.
What does SQL mean in technology and engineering?
The standard language for querying and manipulating relational databases. Despite countless attempts to replace it, SQL has been dominant since the 1970s.
Where will I hear SQL used at work?
SQL comes up most often in engineering planning, architecture reviews, and sprint retrospectives. It's used as shorthand for structured query language, so people assume you already know the term.