What is the difference between SQL and T-SQL?

Workflow of SQL

SQL is a query language used to insert, delete and update data within a relational database. Its main objective is to allow the client to do the following:

  1. Interact with the database
  2. Perform the required queries
  3. Consider privacies and user permissions while completing 1 and 2

Various businesses use some form of SQL server for their relational database environment because of its efficient and scalable approach.

Workflow of T-SQL

T-SQL is an add-on to basic SQL. The added features in this language include:

  • Procedural programming
  • Local variables
  • Various support functions for string processing, date processing, mathematics, and more

Similar to SQL, T-SQL is also used by multiple companies. It is used mainly within Microsoft SQL Server.

Differences between SQL and T-SQL

SQL and T-SQL have some similarities with respect to their structure and functionality, but they differ in terms of execution, servers, and functioning.

Let’s take a closer look at these differences:

Differences in keywords

TOP keyword

TOP in T-SQL is used to retrieve a certain number of records from the database.

LIMIT keyword

In SQL, the LIMIT keyword is used to fetch a limited number of rows.

SELECT TOP 3 Roll_no, Name, Course_id
FROM Courses;

TRY CATCH keyword

The TRY CATCH keyword is introduced in T-SQL to support exception handling and deal with errors after each execution statement.

BEGIN TRY
## code
END TRY
BEGIN CATCH
## code
END CATCH;

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