SQL
This article tries to solve the never ending debate of whether SQL is a programming language or not. As the name goes, SQL; is a structured query language that helps manage, clean and manipulate data that is stored in relational databases. With SQL, one has the ability to update records, query data, identify relations between sets of data, and much more. However, it is important to note that SQL helps one do this on a condition that the data being worked on is in a relational structure. SQL is limited to accessing and managing datasets using specified application domains.
Programming Language
On the other hand, traditional programming languages such as python are general purpose programming languages that have the ability to write code that the computer can execute to perform specific functions. "A programming language is a formal set of instructions used to produce a variety of machine code outputs, such as software applications, websites, or system operations." All these are categorized as general purpose languages which sets them apart from domain specific languages.
The Debate
Now that we clearly understand what is SQL and its ability and what a programming language is, is it right to classify SQL as a programming language?
SQL fits the description of a scripting language and traditional programming languages are general purpose and meet the requirements of a programming language.
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