Question

What is the difference between SQL and PL/SQL?

Answer 1

The following comparison chart explains their main differences:

SQL

• SQL is a database structured query language used to communicate with relational databases. It was developed by IBM Corporations and first appeared in 1974.
• SQL is a declarative and data-oriented language.
• SQL has no variables.
• SQL can execute only a single query at a time.
• SQL query can be embedded in PL/SQL.
• SQL can directly interact with the database server.
• SQL is like the source of data that we need to display.

PLSQL

• PL/SQL or Procedural Language/Structured Query Language is a dialect of SQL used to enhance the capabilities of SQL. Oracle Corporation developed it in the early 90's. It uses SQL as its database language.
• PL/SQL provides a platform where SQL data will be shown.
• PL/SQL cannot be embedded in SQL as SQL does not support any programming language and keywords.
• PL/SQL is a procedural and application-oriented language.
• PL/SQL can use variables constraints and data types.
• PL/SQL cannot directly interact with the database server.
• PL/SQL can execute a whole block of code at once.

Answer 2

SQL: It is referred as Structured Query Language.

• Only simple IF / Else statements.

• Through SQL you can interact with database through ADO.NET

• In SQL you can execute a line of code

• It can run only on windows

PL/SQL: It is referred as Procedure Language / Structure Query Language:

• In PL/SQL you can execute a block of code not a single line of code.

• Deep control statements

• It can run in UNIX also.

• PL/SQL language includes object oriented programming techniques such as encapsulation, function overloading, and information hiding (all but inheritance).