Difference Between SQL And PL/SQL

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SQL

  • SQL refers to simple statements like Insert, Create, Select, update which can be used to select and manipulate data from database.
  • SQL is Structured Query Language created to manipulate relational databases.
  • SQL is a declarative database.
  • There are no variables in SQL.
  • In SQL, a particular query is executed at a time. These queries can be insert, update, delete or select statements.
  • SQL statements can be inserted within the PL/SQL programs.
  • In SQL you can write queries and command using DDL, DML statements.
  • It interacts with the database server directly.

PL/SQL

  • PL/SQL is a programmable version of SQL which provides lot of functionalities like loops, functions, variables, similar to other programmable languages like java, etc.
  • PL/SQL is a Procedural language/ programing language that uses SQL as its database.
  • PL/SQL is a procedural language that defines how things will execute.
  • PL/SQL has variable constraints, data types etc.
  • In PL/SQL, an entire block of code is executed at once.
  • PL/SQL code statements cannot be inserted in the SQL code.
  • In PL/SQL you can write block of code that has procedures, functions, triggers, packages, variables within its syntax.  

Difference Between SQL And PL/SQL In Tabular Form

BASIS OF COMPARISON SQL PL/SQL
Describe SQL refers to simple statements like Insert, Create, Select, update which can be used to select and manipulate data from database. PL/SQL is a programmable version of SQL which provides lot of functionalities like loops, functions, variables, similar to other programmable languages like java, etc.  
Definition SQL is Structured Query Language created to manipulate relational databases.   PL/SQL is a Procedural language/ programing language that uses SQL as its database.  
Nature SQL is a declarative database.   PL/SQL is a procedural language that defines how things will execute.  
Variables There are no variables in SQL.   PL/SQL has variable constraints, data types etc.  
Execution of Code In SQL, a particular query is executed at a time. These queries can be insert, update, delete or select statements.   In PL/SQL, an entire block of code is executed at once.  
Interaction With Server It interacts with the database server directly.   It cannot interact with the database server directly.  
Insertion of Code Statement SQL statements can be inserted within the PL/SQL programs.   PL/SQL code statements cannot be inserted in the SQL code.  
Writing of Queries In SQL you can write queries and command using DDL, DML statements.   In PL/SQL you can write block of code that has procedures, functions, triggers, packages, variables within its syntax.