In SQL, we always need to Select our Database before starting to work with the database. Once we create a database we need to Select the database first to tell MYSQL in which database we are trying to work. Before proceeding with the creation of tables and inserting records we need to first Select our database. If we directly start creating tables then MYSQL will give an error. So note that it is mandatory to always select or use the database before actually starting working with the database. To Select the database we use the USE command.
Syntax of USE statement in SQL
USE database_name; How to Select a Database?
To learn how to Select a Database in SQL follow the below-mentioned steps:
Step 1: Creating the database
To start things with SQL first, we need to create a new database in SQL. We use the CREATE DATABASE command to create a new database in MYSQL and then we mention the name of the database. Now as an example, we will create a new database with the name Geekster.
CREATE DATABASE GEEKSTER;Step 2: Verifying the Database
Now we will verify whether the new database that we have just created has been successfully added to our system or not. We use the SHOW DATABASES command and it will return a list of databases to our system. Now we will look for the name of the database (Geekster) that we have just created.
SHOW DATABASES;Step 3: Selecting the Database
After creating the database our main task is to Select or use the database and for that purpose, we use the USE command. So now we will select our database GeeksForGeeks. After executing the command the output will be Database Changed meaning that the database in which we are writing SQL at the time has changed.
USE GEEKSTER;Conclusion
In conclusion, the SQL SELECT statement is a powerful tool in database management. It allows users to retrieve specific data from tables based on defined criteria. Its versatility and ease of use enable efficient data manipulation, analysis, and reporting, crucial for decision-making processes across various industries. Mastering SELECT’s syntax and functionalities empowers practitioners to extract valuable insights and drive organizational success. As databases evolve, SQL SELECT remains fundamental, enabling users to navigate vast datasets and uncover actionable intelligence with precision and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
The SQL SELECT statement is used to retrieve data from one or more tables in a database. It allows users to specify the columns they want to retrieve and apply filters to narrow down the results based on specified criteria.
The SELECT statement begins with the keyword SELECT followed by a list of column names or expressions to retrieve data from a table. Users can also use the WHERE clause to specify conditions that the retrieved rows must meet. Additionally, the SELECT statement can include functions, calculations, and aliases to customize the output.
Developers commonly use SQL SELECT to fetch specific data for reporting, analyze trends in datasets, retrieve information for application interfaces, and extract data for further processing or transformation.
Yes, SQL SELECT supports joining multiple tables together using JOIN clauses. This allows users to combine data from different tables based on specified relationships between them.
While SQL SELECT is a versatile tool, it’s important to note that it only retrieves data from the database and does not modify it. Additionally, the performance of SELECT queries can be affected by factors such as indexing, database design, and the complexity of the query itself.
