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Difference Between DDL and DML

Introduction 

Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML) are the two main categories of commands used to handle and manage data in the realm of databases. These two types of instructions have different functions and are essential to database maintenance. Anyone who works with databases or aspires to do so must comprehend the distinction between DDL and DML. We shall examine the differences between DDL and DML of class 12 in this post as well as each language's unique uses. 

Overview 

DDL and DML are subsets of SQL, a standardized language used for managing relational databases. SQL is the parent language of DDL and DML. DDL centers around characterizing and changing the database's structure, which incorporates making new tables, changing the blueprint of existing ones, and building associations between them. Conversely, DML centers around adjusting the data that is kept in the database, for example, adding, updating, and removing entries. 

What is a DDL command? 

The database's structure may be defined, changed, and managed using DDL commands. Tables, indexes, views, and constraints are just a few examples of database objects that database administrators may create, modify, and remove. DDL instructions are more concerned with how the data is organized and arranged than they are with the data itself within the database. 

Some common DDL commands include: 

1. CREATE: With this command, database objects including tables, indexes, views, and schemas may be created. 

2. ALTER: You can change the structure of already-existing database items with the ALTER command. It lets you change a table's columns, constraints, and other components by adding, modifying, or removing them. 

3. DROP: You can delete or remove database objects including tables, indexes, and views with the DROP command. 

4. TRUNCATE: This command resets a table to its empty state by removing all the data from it. 

5. RENAME: To alter the name of a table or other database object, use the RENAME command. 

Why do we use DDL commands? 

A database's structure may be defined and changed using DDL commands. They are essential to the database's initial setup and continuous administration. By using DDL commands, database administrators can create tables, establish relationships between tables, and define constraints to ensure data integrity. DDL commands allow for the organization and arrangement of data according to an organization's specific requirements and business rules. They offer tools for defining the database's schema, which acts as its design manual. The creation of a logical, well-structured database that properly reflects the data and facilitates effective data management relies heavily on DDL commands. 

What is a DML command? 

DML commands are responsible for manipulating the data stored within the database. Database tables, allow users to add, retrieve, edit, and remove records. DML instructions, in contrast to DDL commands, concentrate on changing the data themselves rather than the database's structure. 

Some common DML commands include: 

1. SELECT: To get data from one or more database tables, use the SELECT command. You may sort the outcomes, apply filtering criteria, and select which columns should be returned. 

2. INSERT: To add new records to a table, use this command. You can enter values manually for each column or obtain data from another table or query. 

3. UPDATE: A table's existing records can be changed using the UPDATE command. It enables you to modify the values of particular columns in accordance with predetermined criteria. 

4. DELETE: Using this command, records from a table can be deleted if certain criteria are met. 

5. MERGE: Using provided criteria, the MERGE command combines data from two separate tables, doing any necessary insert, update, or delete operations. 

Key Differences between DDL and DML Commands 

Now that we have a fundamental grasp of DDL and DML commands, let's differentiate between DDL and DML commands: 

1. Function: DDL instructions are used to specify and control the database's structure, while DML commands are used to work with the data that is stored in the database. 

2. Main Goal: DDL commands are designed to create, modify, and remove database objects including tables, indexes, and views. DML commands focus on inserting, updating, retrieving, and deleting data stored within the tables. 

3. Impact: DDL commands have a significant impact on the database structure and schema. Changes made through DDL commands affect the overall organization and arrangement of data. In contrast, DML commands have a direct impact on the data records themselves. 

4. Execution: DDL commands are typically executed by database administrators or users with administrative privileges. DML commands are executed by end-users, applications, or developers to perform data-related operations. 

5. Sequence: DDL commands are usually executed less frequently and at the initial setup of the database or when structural modifications are required. DML commands are executed more frequently and during day-to-day data operations. 

6. Transactional Control: DDL commands are auto-committed, meaning they are immediately committed to the database and cannot be rolled back. DML commands can be part of a transaction and can be rolled back if necessary. 

7. Data Integrity: DDL commands enforce data integrity through the use of constraints and relationships defined at the database schema level. DML commands are responsible for maintaining data integrity by ensuring that data operations adhere to the defined constraints. 

DDL vs. DML Comparison Chart 

Here is a concise comparison chart highlighting the main differences between DDL and DML commands: 

Aspect 

DDL Commands 

DML Commands 

Purpose 

Define and manage the database structure. 

Manipulate the data within the database. 

Focus 

Database objects such as tables, indexes, etc. 

Data records within the tables. 

Impact 

Changes the database structure. 

Modifies the data within the tables. 

Execution 

Database administrators or privileged users. 

End-users, applications, or developers. 

Sequence 

Infrequent, usually during setup or changes. 

Frequent, performed during operations. 

Transactional Control 

Auto-committed, cannot be rolled back. 

Can be part of a transaction, rolled back if needed. 

Data Integrity 

Defines constraints to enforce data integrity. 

Maintains data integrity by adhering to constraints. 

Difference between DDL and DML 

Here is a list of the primary difference between DDL and DML with examples: 

1. DML instructions are used to alter the data within the database, whereas DDL commands are used to design and manage the database's structure. 

2. DML operations concentrate on adding, updating, retrieving, and deleting data, whereas DDL procedures concentrate on creating, changing, and removing database objects. 

3. While DML instructions directly affect the data records, DDL commands have a substantial influence on the database structure. 

4. DML instructions are run more frequently by applications or end users, whereas DDL statements are normally executed less frequently by database managers. 

5. DML instructions can be a part of a transaction and can be turned back if necessary, but DDL commands are automatically committed and cannot be undone. 

6. DML instructions uphold data integrity by conforming to the established constraints, in contrast to DDL commands, which ensure data integrity through defined constraints. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, efficient database management requires a grasp of the distinctions between DDL and DML. All the differences are almost similar in differences between DDL and DML in Java, differences between DDL and DML in PHP, and differences between DDL and DML in DBMS. While DML instructions are focused on modifying the data within the database, DDL procedures concentrate on defining and changing the structure of the database. While DML commands are used more frequently and directly edit data records, DDL instructions are used less frequently but have a substantial influence on the database structure. Both types of commands are essential in database management and serve distinct purposes in maintaining and manipulating data. 

FAQs 

1. Can DDL commands be rolled back? 

No, DDL commands cannot be rolled back. Once executed, DDL commands are immediately committed to the database and cannot be undone. This means that any changes made through DDL commands are permanent and cannot be reverted. It is crucial to exercise caution when executing DDL commands to ensure that the desired changes are implemented correctly. 

2. Who executes DDL commands? 

DDL commands are typically executed by database administrators or users with administrative privileges. These individuals have the necessary permissions to define and modify the database structure. Executing DDL commands requires a certain level of expertise and knowledge of the database schema and organization. 

3. What are some DDL command examples? 

The DDL commands CREATE, ALTER, DROP, TRUNCATE, and RENAME are a few examples. New database objects can be created using the CREATE command while existing objects can be modified using the ALTER command, deleted using the DROP command, and their names changed using the RENAME command. 

4. What are some DML command examples? 

The DML commands SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and MERGE are a few examples. Data is retrieved from the database using the SELECT command, while records are added using the INSERT command, changed using the UPDATE command, removed using the DELETE command, and combined using the MERGE command according to predetermined criteria. 

5. Can DML commands be part of a transaction? 

Yes, DML commands can be part of a transaction. A series of database activities known as a transaction must be handled as a single entity. DML operations like INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE can be combined into a single transaction. This allows for consistency and atomicity of data modifications. If any part of the transaction fails or encounters an error, it can be rolled back, ensuring that the database remains in a consistent state.

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