What is the difference between SQL and PL/SQL in RDBMS?

What is the Difference Between SQL and PL/SQL in RDBMS?

In a relational database management system (RDBMS), SQL and PL/SQL are two important components that serve different purposes. While SQL stands for Structured Query Language and is used to manage and manipulate data in a database, PL/SQL stands for Procedural Language/Structured Query Language and is an extension of SQL that enables the creation of procedural constructs in addition to SQL queries.

Key Differences:

• SQL: SQL is a declarative language that is primarily used for querying and manipulating data in a database. It is used to retrieve, insert, update, and delete data in tables.
• PL/SQL: PL/SQL is a procedural language that extends SQL by allowing the creation of procedures, functions, and blocks of code that can be executed within a database. It enables the development of complex business logic and application-specific processes.
• Integration: SQL statements can be embedded within PL/SQL code, allowing for seamless integration of procedural and data manipulation tasks within a single program.
• Performance: PL/SQL can offer performance benefits over SQL for complex tasks due to its procedural nature, enabling better optimization and control over data processing.

Overall, while SQL is essential for data manipulation and retrieval, PL/SQL adds a layer of procedural programming capabilities to SQL, making it a powerful tool for developing complex database applications efficiently.