Glossary
What is SQL?
SQL (Structured Query Language) is the standard language for querying and editing data in relational databases such as PostgreSQL and SQL Server. A SELECT query retrieves data without changing it.
SQL explained
An SQL query describes the result you want, not how the database should retrieve it. SELECT picks columns, FROM and JOIN pick tables, WHERE filters rows and GROUP BY counts or sums per group. The database works out the fastest way to run it itself; you can inspect that plan with EXPLAIN.
Besides querying, SQL can also change data (INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) and create or drop tables. For analysis you want a query to be unable to change anything. That is why reporting and AI preferably work through a read-only connection or transaction.
Each database has its own dialect, such as PostgreSQL, SQL Server and MySQL. The basics are the same, but date and text functions differ. Keep that in mind when moving queries between systems or having AI write them.
Example
A controller at Acme Groothandel wants revenue per month for this year. The query SELECT date_trunc('month', order_date) AS month, SUM(total_amount) FROM orders WHERE order_date >= '2026-01-01' GROUP BY 1 ORDER BY 1 returns exactly that overview.
SQL in ENABLE
In the ENABLE SQL Explorer you write or generate SQL on your own PostgreSQL data warehouse. Every query runs in a read-only transaction (BEGIN READ ONLY) with a 45-second timeout and paginated results, and is recorded in the audit log.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SQL and MySQL?
SQL is the language; MySQL is a database system that uses it. Other database systems that use SQL include PostgreSQL and SQL Server.
Can a SELECT query change data?
A plain SELECT query only reads. To be sure a query changes nothing, run it in a read-only transaction or with a user that only has read permissions.
Do you need to know SQL to work with data?
It helps, but it is less and less required. With text-to-SQL tools you ask a question in plain language and check the query the AI writes.
Further reading
- PlatformSQL Explorer with AI: ask your database questionsAsk your data warehouse in plain language. The AI writes the SQL, you stay in control.Read more
- ResourcesText-to-SQL explained: AI on your databaseText-to-SQL is a technique in which an AI model converts a question in plain language into an SQL query, which is then run on a database. The language model writes the query; the database supplies the figures. How well that works depends mainly on the quality of your metadata and on the safeguards around execution, such as read-only access, timeouts and row limits.Read more
- PlatformData API: expose your data warehouse via RESTPublish a query as a secure REST endpoint for other systems and apps.Read more
- ResourcesGlossary of data, AI and Power BI termsWhat is a service principal, row-level security, a semantic model, text-to-SQL or RAG? Short, clear definitions of terms around data, Power BI and AI.Read more
Use AI on your own data. Securely, and without the headache.
In an online demo we show how ENABLE makes your data securely available and how you build on it: describing an app in the AI Builder, plain-language questions, dashboards and APIs. And how we set it up and manage it for you.