Programming instructions

32 Chapter 3 Database Fundamentals
About SQL
SQL Structured Query Language) is a language that lets you communicate with
databases. For example, you can use SQL to retrieve data from a database, add data to a
database, delete or update records in a database, change columns in multiple rows, add
columns to tables, and add and delete tables.
Using SQL to interact with a database
Unlike other computer languages, SQL is made up of a small number of language
elements that let you interact efficiently with a database. Some of the more frequently
used elements include these SQL commands:
In Part II of this book, you will be introduced to the syntax of these commands when you
use them to build a ColdFusion application that interacts with a database. For additional
information about SQL, consult any SQL primer.
Command Description
SELECT Use to retrieve (query) information in a database.
INSERT Use to add records to a database.
UPDATE Use to update information in a database.
DELETE Use to delete information in a database.