Dynamic Structured Query Language (Dynamic SQL)

Definition - What does Dynamic Structured Query Language (Dynamic SQL) mean?

Dynamic Structured Query Language (SQL) is a SQL version that facilitates the generation of dynamic (or variable) program queries. Dynamic SQL allows a programmer to write code that automatically adjusts to varying databases, environments, servers or variables.

Dynamic SQL statements are not embedded in the source program but stored as strings of characters that are manipulated during a program's runtime. These SQL statements are either entered by a programmer or automatically generated by the program. This is the major difference between dynamic SQL and static SQL statements. Dynamic SQL statements also may change from one execution to the next without manual intervention.

Dynamic SQL facilitates automatic generation and manipulation of program modules for efficient automated repeating task preparation and performance.

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Techopedia explains Dynamic Structured Query Language (Dynamic SQL)

Dynamic SQL facilitates the development of powerful applications with the ability to create database objects for manipulation according to user input. For example, a Web application may allow parameters specifying a SQL query. Typical SQL queries accommodate a few parameters. However, entering 10 or more parameters often leads to highly complex SQL queries, especially if a user is allowed to enter conditions (such as AND or OR) between parameters.

Dynamic SQL increases processing and efficiency by running simultaneous queries and distributing results from a single interface query on multiple databases.

Early Oracle database versions with PL/SQL dynamic SQL required that programmers to use a complicated Oracle DBMS_SQL package library. Later, a simpler "Native Dynamic SQL" was introduced.