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Data & Analytics · Foundational

Data Query Language (DQL)

The SQL sublanguage for retrieving data, consisting essentially of the SELECT statement.

Definition

DQL statements read data without modifying it. Some taxonomies treat SELECT as part of DML. A SELECT with FOR UPDATE takes locks but still does not change rows.

Example

SELECT * FROM Employees WHERE DeptID = 10;

Exam tip

If a list of options includes DQL, SELECT belongs there; otherwise it is usually filed under DML.

Related terms