Relational database languages include SQL and PL/SQL. SQL is a standardized query language for inserting, deleting, modifying, and manipulating data in databases. PL/SQL is a procedural language which is an extension of SQL. Its syntax includes SQL statements. The primary distinction between SQL and PL/SQL is that SQL executes a single query at a time, while PL/SQL executes an entire block of code at once.
SQL Definition
SQL is a structured programming language for managing relational databases and performing different data operations. SQL stands for structured query language, and it is a programming language for storing, manipulating, and extracting data from a relational database. The benefits of SQL are as follows:
- SQL may be a higher-level language than procedural languages, with a higher level of abstraction.
- It allows end-users of the systems to work with a variety of database management systems where it is usable.
- The freedom to move about. When the underlying DBMS needs to be upgraded or updated, such porting can be needed.
PL/SQL Definition
PL/SQL is a block-structured language that lets programmers combine SQL’s power with procedural statements. All of a block’s statements are sent to the Oracle engine at the same time, which speeds up processing and reduces traffic. Procedural language extensions to SQL is what PL/SQL stands for. The following are some of the benefits of PL/SQL
- Block structures: Block structures are made up of code blocks that can be nested within each other.
- Procedural language capability: It is made up of procedural language constructs such as conditional statements (if else statements) and (FOR loops).
- Better performance: Many SQL statements are processed at the same time by the PL/SQL engine, which reduces network traffic.
- Error handling: Throughout the execution of a PL/SQL application, PL/SQL efficiently manages errors or exceptions.
Difference between SQL and PL/SQL in Oracle
| SQL | PL/SQL | |
| 1 | SQL is a single query that is used to perform DML and DDL operations. | PL/SQL is a collection of programming languages that can be used to create whole programme blocks, procedures, functions, and so on. |
| 2 | There are no data variables available. | There are data variables available. |
| 3 | It Executes per single statement. | It Executes the whole block |
| 4 | This is primarily used to manipulate the data. | This is primarily used to create an application. |
| 5 | Interaction with a database server is needed. | There is no interaction with the database server. |
| 6 | It can’t have any PL/SQL code in it. | It’s an extension of SQL that allows it to include SQL. |