SQL vs PL/SQL: Difference Between SQL & PL/SQL

Even though PL/SQL and SQL are tightly integrated with each other, there are a number of differences in the way they operate. While SQL executes one query at once, PL/SQL can execute an entire block of code. SQL and PL/SQL also differ in their performances, error handling capabilities and the way they interact with databases. In this article, we will look at all the differences between the two languages so you know what their individual usages are.

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What is the Difference Between SQL and PL/SQL?

Aspect	SQL	PL/SQL
Nature	SQL is a declarative language primarily used for querying and managing relational databases. It focuses on retrieving and manipulating data.	PL/SQL (Procedural Language/Structured Query Language) is an extension of SQL incorporating procedural elements. It is designed for creating program units that can be executed in an Oracle database.
Functionality	SQL is mainly used for querying and manipulating data in databases. It excels in SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and managing database structures.	PL/SQL, being procedural, goes beyond SQL’s capabilities. It allows the creation of blocks of code with variables, control structures, and exception handling, enabling the development of more complex and functional programs.
Execution	SQL statements are executed one at a time, and each statement is considered a separate transaction.	PL/SQL, on the other hand, allows the creation of blocks of code that can contain multiple SQL statements. These blocks are treated as a single unit of work, enhancing efficiency and allowing for more complex operations.
Use in Programming	SQL is basically used as a query language within applications. It’s instrumental for tasks like retrieving data, defining and modifying database structures.	PL/SQL, with its procedural capabilities, is designed for programming within the Oracle database environment. It’s employed for creating stored procedures, functions, triggers, and more, making it a powerful tool for database development.
Variables	SQL has limited support for variables, typically used in the context of queries and conditions.	PL/SQL, being procedural, supports the declaration and usage of variables extensively. This allows for more dynamic and flexible coding, especially in creating complex algorithms and logic.
Error Handling	SQL has basic error handling using SQLCODE and SQLERRM functions, but it lacks the robustness of exception handling in PL/SQL.	PL/SQL excels in error handling with its comprehensive exception handling mechanism, allowing developers to capture and manage errors effectively, enhancing the reliability of applications.
Portability	SQL is relatively more portable as it adheres to industry standards, making it compatible with various database systems.	PL/SQL, being Oracle-specific, is less portable. It ties closely to Oracle databases, and migrating to a different database system may require significant code modifications.

SQL: Brief Overview

Structured Query Language (SQL) is a powerful, non-procedural, database language which is used in the management of relational databases. Developed by IBM research, it is highly portable, upgradeable and offers a high degree of abstraction when compared with procedural languages. Through SQL, end-users can interact with several database management systems as per their availability. 

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Advantages of SQL

SQL offers several benefits that make it a highly famous and reliable language. They are: –

• Swift Query Processing Speed

SQL has a high query processing speed that swiftly retrieves vast amounts of data with remarkable accuracy. This means operations like data insertion, deletion, and manipulation are executed with minimal time investment. This efficiency is a key factor contributing to its widespread adoption.

• Standards are well-defined

It has earned the stamp of approval from ANSI and ISO/IEC as the standard language for relational databases. This recognition provides users with well-defined standards, ensuring consistency and reliability. The global community surrounding SQL further reinforces its appeal, attracting individuals and businesses toward this technology.

• Portability Across Platforms

One of SQL’s notable advantages lies in its portability. It’s a versatile language, seamlessly programming across PCs, servers, laptops, and even mobile phones. This platform’s independence enhances its practicality, allowing users to engage with SQL across various devices.

• User-Friendly Mastery

SQL stands out as an approachable language, particularly for beginners. Its simplicity and ease of learning make it a go-to choice for those entering the world of relational databases. The learning curve is gentle, empowering users to grasp the essentials swiftly.

• Interactive Efficiency

Being an interactive language, SQL excels in delivering quick responses to complex queries. Users can obtain the information they need within seconds, streamlining the process of extracting valuable insights from databases.

• Versatility in Data Views

SQL empowers users to construct diverse views of database structures. By creating virtual tables with rows and columns, it facilitates the analysis and slicing of data in myriad ways. This versatility allows users to formulate different perspectives, enhancing their ability to glean meaningful insights from the data at hand.

• Coding Skills are not Required.

SQL shines as a versatile tool that doesn’t demand extensive coding expertise. This means that managing databases becomes accessible without the need for an abundance of code, making it a user-friendly choice for beginners and seasoned professionals.

Disadvantages of SQL

The drawbacks of SQL are as follows: –

• Navigating Complexity

SQL is a powerful language but not without its complexities. Users often find its interface intricate, posing challenges when attempting to access and interact with the system. This complexity can sometimes create barriers for users, especially those newer to the SQL environment.

• Control Constraints

SQL programmers encounter limitations in terms of database control due to concealed business rules. These hidden rules can restrict the extent of control users have over the database, introducing an element of partial control that may be frustrating for those seeking comprehensive authority.

• Financial Hurdles

Some versions of SQL come with a notable drawback – high operating costs. This financial aspect can become a hurdle for programmers, creating barriers to accessibility. Affordability concerns may impact the accessibility of certain SQL versions for a subset of programmers.

• Vendor Lock-In

A prevalent challenge arises with databases where SQL is the parent. This scenario often leads to vendor lock-in, making it challenging for users to seamlessly transition between systems. Breaking free from these implementational boundaries becomes a critical consideration for users navigating the SQL landscape.

• Dependency on Tables

Creating a view based on underlying tables within a database introduces another layer of complexity. If structural changes occur in these tables, modifying the associated view becomes imperative. This interdependence of tables and views adds a layer of intricacy to the task, demanding meticulous attention to maintain a coherent database structure.

You Must Read: Rename Column Name in SQL

PL/SQL: Brief Overview

PL/SQL is a powerful procedural language that extends procedural constructs to SQL statements. It is known for its high processing speed and error handling capabilities. 

In PL/SQL, blocks of code or multiple statements are executed at once which consist of functions, triggers, packages, etc, that enhance the functionality of an operation. This also helps in reducing network traffic. Learn more about PLSQL developer salary in India.

Its full form is Procedural Language extensions to SQL. It is a block-structured language that allows developers to integrate the power of procedural statements and SQL. A block’s all statements are passed to the oracle engine at once. Consequently, it boosts processing speed and reduces traffic.

It is also popular as a database-oriented programming language that further extends SQL power with procedural abilities. Oracle Corporation developed it during the early 90s to enhance the functionalities of SQL. It adds iterative constructs (loops) and selective (if…then…else…) to SQL.

Before discussing PL SQL vs SQL, let’s first discuss the advantages of PL/SQL.

Advantages of PL/SQL:

• It handles exceptions or errors via a PL/SQL program’s execution. After an associate degree exception is captured, the relevant actions can be implemented based on the exception type. Alternatively, it can be shown to the user with a message.
• It allows developers to execute multiple SQL statement in PL/SQL at once after enclosing them in a block.
• Being compatible with SQL, it lets you use all the SQL statements, cursor handling, data manipulation, and transaction statements in PL/SQL blocks. No need for conversion between SQL and PLSQL.
• Maintaining the subprogram is because only a single copy is saved in the database server. The same can be retrieved by all the applications and clients using it.
• It enables scalability by accessing the centralised processing on the database servers. Hence, multiple synchronised users can access it over a single node.
• It supports portability because the applications are written in PL/SQL. You can use it on hardware and computer OS where the Oracle database exists and runs effectively.
• Its PLSQL full form states its objective, and its syntax is easy to understand if you are acquainted with any programming language.
• It helps the users to define triggers that are automatically fired when a specific condition is met.

PL/SQL is better than SQL as it extends SQL with procedural features, allowing for the creation of complex scripts with loops, conditions, and exceptions. This enables more robust and flexible database programming, supporting stored procedures and functions for enhanced performance and maintainability.

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Disadvantages of PL/SQL

The disadvantages of plsql full form are given below: –

• I/O Limitations

PL/SQL encounters limitations in input/output (I/O) functionalities. This programming language provides limited support for reading/writing files or interfacing with user interfaces. This restricted I/O capability may pose challenges for developers seeking more robust interactions within their applications.

• Syntax Puzzles

While powerful, PL/SQL can present challenges with its syntax, occasionally proving less straightforward for programmers to follow. The complexity and inconsistency in the syntax can create puzzles that developers need to navigate, demanding a deeper understanding of the language’s intricacies.

• Oracle Proprietary Constraints

One significant drawback of PL/SQL is its proprietary nature, exclusive to Oracle databases. This exclusivity implies that if a user contemplates changing their database vendor, adapting the existing Oracle PL/SQL code becomes a mandatory, albeit potentially expensive, task. This vendor lock-in adds a layer of complexity for users considering diversification.

• Learning Curve Challenges

For beginners entering the coding arena, PL/SQL may present challenges. Certain concepts within the language can be difficult to grasp, contributing to its reputation as not the most beginner-friendly programming language. Aspiring developers might find themselves navigating a steeper learning curve than more accessible alternatives.

The block-structured language has program blocks that can be of two types:

1. Anonymous Blocks – when a block of code is not stored in your database.
2. Stored procedures – when a block is named and stored as a parsed representation in your database.

Must Read: SQL Developer Salary in India

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Key Differences Between SQL and PL/SQL

1. SQL is a Structural Query Language created to manipulate relational databases. It is a declarative, detail-oriented language. Whereas, PL/SQL is a Procedural Language/Structured Query Language that uses SQL as its database. It is an application-oriented language.
2. There are no variables in SQL whereas PL/SQL has variables constraints, data types, etc.
3. In SQL, we use DDL and DML to write queries and commands whereas with PL/SQL, code blocks containing functions, triggers, variables, control structures (for loop, while), conditional statements (if..then..else) are written. 
4. In SQL, a single operation or query can be executed at a time. However, In PL/SQL, multiple operations or an entire block of close can be executed at once. This results in reduced network traffic. 
5. It is possible to embed in a PL/SQL block whereas the opposite can’t be done.
6. Unlike PL/SQL, there is direct interaction between SQL and the database server
7. PL/SQL offers high processing speed while performing manipulation of large volumes of data. This can’t be achieved with SQL.

SQL vs PLSQL: Execution 

Execution in SQL 

We have statements in SQL which are essentially instructions through which a user tells SQL what they want to be done. SQL then compiles these instructions and navigates the database to perform the task.

Every operation needs to be executed using SQL statements. Further, there are certain words in SQL that are reserved to perform a specific task. For instance, SELECT,  UPDATE, DELETE. These can not be used as names for any other purpose. (Note: Almost all operations are performed by SQL but there are also tools and apps available to make SQL’s task easier.)

There are six types of statements in SQL. 

1. Data Manipulation Language statements (DML)
2. Data Definition Language statements (DDL)
3. Transaction Control statements
4. Session Control statements
5. System Control statements
6. Embedded SQL statements

Data Manipulation Language statements and Data Definition Language statements are most commonly used in SQL queries. So, let’s take a brief look at the two: 

Data Manipulation Statements (DML)

DML statements comprise the likes of SELECT, DELETE, INSERT, UPDATE. They are basically used to manipulate a database. Using DML statements, you can perform operations like delete or add rows, select a particular table or more than one table, select a view, updates values in existing rows, etc. 

Here is an example:

SELECT ename, mgr, comm + sal FROM emp; 

INSERT INTO emp VALUES

(4321, ‘ROBERT’, ‘ACCOUNTANT’, 9876, ’14-JAN-1982′, 1600, 500, 30); 

DELETE FROM emp WHERE ename IN (‘WARD’,’JONES’);

Data Definition Statements (DDL)

Using DDL statements, you can create a schema object, alter its structure or rename or drop it. You can also delete all the data in a schema object without having to delete the entire structure. There are several other operations that you can perform using DDL statements. 

Some DDL statements include CREATE, ALTER, DROP, TRUNCATE, ANALYSE, COMMENT, to mention a few. 

Here is an example:

CREATE TABLE plants 

(COMMON_NAME VARCHAR2 (15), LATIN_NAME VARCHAR2 (40)); 

DROP TABLE plants; 

GRANT SELECT ON emp TO Scott; 

REVOKE DELETE ON emp FROM Scott; 

Transaction Control Statements:

They handle the changes by grouping DML statements and DML statements into transactions. You can use transaction control statements to do the following tasks.

COMMIT: Makes transaction changes permanent.

ROLLBACK: Undo the changes within a transaction because either the transaction began or due to a savepoint ().

SAVEPOINT: Sets a point to which you can roll back.

SET TRANSACTION: Launch properties for a transaction ().

Understanding these types of transaction control statements helps you to easily understand PL SQL vs SQL.

Session Control Statements:

They manage a specific user session’s properties. They let you do the following tasks.

ALTER SESSION: Changes the current session by implementing a specialized function like enabling/disabling the SQL trace facility ().

SETROLE: Enable and disable groups of privileges for the existing session. 

System Control Statements:

They alter the Oracle Server instance’s properties. It uses the system control command i.e. ALTER SYSTEM. It lets you modify settings like kill a session, the minimum number of shared servers, and other tasks. These statements are easy to understand if you thoroughly understand the PLSQL full form. 

Embedded SQL Statements:

They incorporate DML, DDL, and transaction control statements in a procedural language program. They are used with the Oracle Precompilers. Embedded SQL statements allow you to do the following:

DECLARE CURSOR, CLOSE, OPEN: Defines, allocates, and releases cursors ().

DECLARE DATABASE, CONNECT: Declare a database’s name and connect it to Oracle ().

DECLARE STATEMENT, DESCRIBE, WHENEVER: Allocates variable names, set descriptors, and mentions how warning conditions and errors are handled ().

PREPARE, EXECUTE, EXECUTE IMMEDIATE, FETCH: Parses and executes SQL statements, and access data from the database (). You must know all these types of statements before going through PL SQL vs SQL.

Execution in PL/SQL

Procedures are stored in the database to be called as required by an application. They can also be called from another PL/SQL block (anonymous or stored). As a procedure is called by an application, it is compiled and loaded into the System Global Area where PL/SQL and SQL process them using their respective executors. 

Every program unit a PL/SQL is present in the form of a block, which consists of declarations and statements. It can be nested to include another block. 

They are designated by the following keywords

1. DECLARE – for variables, subprograms and local types. A declarative part of a block ends on completion of execution to avoid clutter. 
2. BEGIN – contains statements which have access to the declarations. This is the executable part of the block.
3. EXCEPTION – any exceptions raised during execution are taken care of here. The exception handling part of the block is usually placed at the end of a subprogram to eliminate exceptions in the same.
4. END 

Another important aspect of PL/SQL is its control structures that help you control the flow of statements. These are quite important while writing Triggers.

They can be categorised into three types

1. Conditional Control: This includes the IF-THEN-ELSE statements where if checks for a condition, ELSE indicates the action to perform and ELSE denotes what should be done if the condition is not true.
2. Iterative Control: These include loop statements using which you can perform an action multiple times. FOR, WHILE and WHEN are included here. 
3. Sequential Control: This is to let you move from one label to another without any conditions applied. (GOTO statement)

Usage of SQL and PL/SQL

Due to the detail-oriented nature of SQL and that it can directly interact with the databases), SQL statements are a great option for creating analytical reports. Since it writes DML statements, it also finds use in supporting applications where there is a need for simple updating. Essentially, it is designed for data manipulation and does just that. 

PL/SQL is application-based and is primarily used to design applications such as building user screens or creating back-end logic for web pages. SQL is responsible for providing data for these PL/SQL based applications. PL/SQL can be integrated with Java and PHP to create complex logic. 

What Is Parsing?

Parsing is a step in SQL statement processing.  When an application defines a SQL statement, it does a parse call to Oracle. In this process, Oracle does these tasks:

• Tests the statement for semantic and syntactic validity
• Decides whether the process defining the statement has the right to run it
• Assigns a private SQL area for the statement.
• It is also determined whether a shared SQL area exists comprising the statement’s parsed representation in the library cache. If it exists, then the user process utilises this parsed representation and instantly runs the statement. Otherwise, the statement is parsed, and the following tasks are performed:
• The statement’s parsed representation is generated.
• The user process assigns a shared SQL area for the statement within the library cache and saves its parsed representation in that cache.

You can better understand the difference between PL SQL and SQL when you know the dynamic SQL, as discussed below.

Dynamic SQL in PL/SQL:

Dynamic SQL helps you to write stored processes and anonymous PL/SQL blocks. The dynamic SQL statements are not incorporated into your source program. Instead, they are saved in character strings that are entered or developed by the program during runtime.

This allows you to make procedures that are used for general purposes. For instance, dynamic SQL helps you to create a procedure that works on a table whose name is unknown until runtime.

PLSQL also allows you to parse any DML or DDL statement through the DBMS_SQL package. It solves the problem of the inability to parse data definition language statements using PL/SQL directly. You can choose to execute a DROP TABLE statement from a stored procedure using the PARSE procedure provided with the DBMS_SQL package.

Why should you use PL/SQL?

You can better understand the difference between PL SQL and SQL if you know the importance of using PL/SQL.

Suppose you want to update a salary record with a hike of 10% for all employees in the “Employee” table having 500+ values.  It is impractical to write the update command 500+ times and implement SQL query every time to update the records. This is where PLSQL proves to be useful. It simplifies this process in only two lines of code without interruptions.

Any web application must conceal the implementation logic from its end-users. This is accomplished using interfaces in programming languages like C++ and Java. Identically, the database is the major module in Database intensive applications. Moreover, the SQL tables and queries are its implementation data.

These modules are concealed behind the PL/SQL interface. As a result, it maintains scalability, correctness, security, maintainability, and abstraction for both the end-users and developers.

PL/SQL also allows working with the triggers like Database level triggers, View level triggers, Table level triggers, and Session level Triggers. 

Conclusion 

As we know, PL/SQL is an extension of SQL and does what SQL does but on large volumes of data using functions, control structures and triggers. SQL only deals with the what of action while PL/SQL even tells you how.

PL/SQL is a refined approach to deal with complex SQL problems. While SQL is better at data abstraction and portability, PL/SQL scores where performance and speed are concerned.

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Bottom Line

To conclude, it is obvious adding an extra skill to your portfolio is always a good idea. A wise man once said, “Knowledge never gets wasted.” And, to take a little credit, that wise man is me.

By becoming proficient in SQL, you can expect jobs in game-changing industries like Finance, Web Development, Accounting, and Digital Marketing, to name a few. So expand your skillset and enter the job market with even more confidence!

If you are curious to learn about SQL, PL/SQL, full-stack development, check out IIIT-B & upGrad’s  Executive PG Program in Full Stack Software Development which is created for working professionals and offers 10+ case studies & projects, practical hands-on workshops, mentorship with industry experts, 1-on-1 with industry mentors, 400+ hours of learning and job assistance with top firms.