Advantages and Disadvantages of SQL

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a data-driven programming language that is primarily used to query and manipulate data in relational databases. It is a high-level domain language because it is hardware independent and is therefore used by many businesses to handle their databases. The advantages of knowing SQL is expanding and significant. SQL has seen a significant increase in usage over the last few years.

Advantages of SQL:

1. Faster and Efficient Query Processing

• SQL works with an efficient speed. This high speed can boost the amount of data retrieval. It can give users a rapid and effective means to obtain, alter, or store data.
• SQL can quickly and efficiently retrieve a large volume of data records from a database. Compared to an unstructured database such as MongoDB, it is a relational database that can characterize the data in a structured way. Operations like insertion, deletion, querying, manipulation, and calculations on data via analytical queries in a relational database can be accomplished in a matter of seconds.

2. No Need for Coding Skills

• There is no need for large and complex code lines for data extraction. One reason for using SQL is that it does not require extensive coding and program writing knowledge. It is easy to maintain database systems without having to write a good amount of code. There is no need for large complex lines of code for data extraction.
• SQL is mostly made up of English statements, making it simple to learn and write SQL queries. All primary keywords, like SELECT, INSERT INTO, DELETE, UPDATE, etc., can be used to carry out operations. Also, the syntactical rules are simple and easy to understand, making it a user-friendly language.

3. Portable

• Portability is an extremely desirable feature in any program that stores data in a database. A software developer would like to use a small in-memory database, such as Apache Derby, while creating an application.
• SQL is highly portable because it is employed in programs on PCs, servers, tablets, and independent laptops running operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Mac, and even some mobile phones. It can also be embedded with other programs based on the requirements.
• It can be used on local systems (internet and the intranet). SQL databases can be easily transferred from one device to another.

4. Standardized Language

• SQL is a relational database query language that has been accepted by ISO and ANSI. It gives all users a consistent platform worldwide due to proper documentation and years of establishment.
• In $1986$ and $1987$, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ISO (International Standards Organization) standardized the language. The most recent standard part was produced in $2011$.

5. Interactive Language

• SQL is a domain language that is simple to learn and easy to understand. It can also be used to interface with databases and receive responses to complicated queries in seconds.
• It becomes an interactive language for its users because it offers easy commands for all purposes. SQL commands are also understandable to non-programmers.
• SQL is used to build and administer large databases, including data sharing, updating, and retrieval from numerous tables. This is the primary reason organizations employ SQL in various applications such as web development, data analysis, IT support, etc.

6. Multiple Data Views

• The SQL language gives each user a unique view of the data. A view is a SQL statement that includes specified SQL queries that are stored in the database. It can be built from one or more tables based on the queries written or the aim that the view satisfies.
• SQL can provide distinct views of the database's structure and content to different users.

Check out this article to learn more about Views in SQL.

7. Internet Usage

• Three-tier Internet architectures are compatible with SQL architecture. Client, application server, and database components make up the architecture.

8. Large User Community

• The SQL programming language is nearly 50 years old and is incredibly mature and still extensively used. It boasts a vibrant network of specialists eager to provide advice and well-established best practices.
• There are several opportunities to improve one's skills and collaborate. Consultants and SQL suppliers can provide extra assistance if needed. Your developers will be able to find the answers they require using SQL.

Disadvantages of SQL

Along with its advantages, the SQL (Structured Query Language) has several disadvantages :

1. Resource-Intensive Scaling

• SQL databases typically scale up vertically by increasing hardware investment. This is both costly and time-consuming. An organization may seek to scale a SQL database horizontally using partitioning in particular instances.
• This extra complexity increases the time and resources required. The effort will certainly require coding for dealing with a large database, which will require highly talented and well-paid developers. Scaling your SQL database as data volume grows is like playing a never-ending game of tag, where the optimum setup is always just out of reach.

2. Partial Control

• SQL does not provide programmers complete control over databases. This is primarily due to hidden corporate rules.

3. Cost Inefficient

• Some versions are expensive, which makes programmers unable to access them. For example, SQL Server Standard costs around $1,418 per year.

4. Rigidity

• The schema of a SQL database must be specified before it can be used. They are rigid once installed, and changes are often complex and time-consuming. As a result, significant work must be invested in upfront preparation before the database is ever put into production.
• They are only useful when all your data is structured, and you don't expect a considerable volume or data type change.

5. Normalization of Data

• Relational databases, which were created at a time when data storage was expensive, try to eliminate data duplication. Each table has unique data that may be linked and queried using common values. However, as SQL databases grow in size, the lookups and joins necessary between multiple tables can cause performance issues, ultimately slowing down things.

6. Hardware Updation

• The pattern for SQL databases is to scale up the data vertically, where capacity can only be enhanced by adding capabilities, such as RAM, CPU, and SSD, on the existing server or by relocating to a larger, more expensive one. As your data expands, you'll need more hard drive space and quicker equipment to operate developing and more advanced technologies. Your database vendor will most likely require you to upgrade your hardware regularly in order to run their most recent releases.
• Hardware can easily become outdated in this context. Each update will undoubtedly be costly and resource-consuming. SQL's hardware requirements include continuing, day-to-day maintenance and operational costs.

Learn More

• SQL Tutorial
• SQL Formatter