SQL
Also called: Structured Query Language
The language used to read and change data in relational databases, like SELECT * FROM orders.
Definition
SQL (Structured Query Language, said "S-Q-L" or "sequel") is how people and programs talk to databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server and SQLite. Testers mostly use it to read data: to check what the app really saved, find test data and investigate bugs.
In practice
After placing an order in the app, a tester runs SELECT * FROM orders WHERE id = 1007 to confirm the total and status were saved correctly.
Learn it in context
Lessons that use this term.
Related terms
- DatabaseAn organized store of an app's data, such as users, orders and payments, kept on a server.
- QueryA request to a database, written in SQL, that returns or changes data.
- JOIN (SQL)Combining rows from two tables that belong together, for example each order with its customer.
- SQL injectionAn attack where text typed into a field is run as a database command.