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LAST UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 20, 2022

Difference Between DDL and DML

A database is a grouping of connected information. A database management system (DBMS) is software that makes it simple to access and administer databases. They enable several people to access data while still ensuring data security. Data is stored in table format in relational databases. Rows and columns make up a table. DML columns represent properties, whereas rows represent each record. SQL (Structured Query Language) is the language used in relational databases to store, manage, and retrieve data. SQL commands allow the user to conduct a variety of actions on the database. DDL and DML are two forms of SQL instructions.

What exactly is DDL (Data Definition Language) in DBMS?

The acronym DDL refers to the Data Definition Language. DDL instructions aid in the creation of the database's structure and other database objects. Its instructions are committed automatically. As a result, the modifications are permanently preserved in the database.

Create, drop, and modify are examples of DDL commands. Create aids in the creation of new databases and tables. The drop command is used to destroy databases and tables, while the edit command is used to change an existing database object like a table. These are some frequently used DDL commands.

The following commands come under DDL language:

  • CREATE: It is used to create a new database and its objects such as tables, views, functions, stored procedures, triggers, etc.
  • DROP: It is used to delete the database and its objects, including structures, from the server permanently.
  • ALTER: It's used to update the database structure by modifying the characteristics of an existing attribute or adding new attributes.
  • TRUNCATE: It is used to completely remove all data from a table, including its structure and space allocates on the server.
  • RENAME: This command renames the content in the database.

What exactly is DML (Data Manipulation Language) in DBMS?

DML stands for Data Manipulation Language. DML commands aid in the management of database data. DML instructions, on the other hand, are not auto-committed. As a result, modifications do not last. As a result, the operation may be rolled back.

Insert, update, remove, and select are some DML commands. The insert command is used to add new records or rows to a table, while the update command is used to update an existing record. Meanwhile, the delete command may be used to remove a single record or a group of records from a database, whilst the select command can be used to get particular records from one or more tables.

The following commands come under the DML language:

  • SELECT: This command is used to extract information from a table.
  • INSERT: It is a SQL query that allows us to add data into a table's row.
  • UPDATE: This command is used to alter or modify the contents of a table.
  • DELETE: This command is used to delete records from a database table, either individually or in groups.

Key Difference Between DDL and DML in DBMS

DDL DML
  • DDL (Data Definition Language) is a programming language that aids in the specification of database structure or schema.
  • DML (Data Manipulation Language) allows you to manipulate database data.
  • The DDL command is mostly used to construct database structure.
  • To fill and modify a database, use the DML command.
  • It is not further classified.
  • DMLs are classified as procedural or non-procedural.
  • RENAME, CREATE, DROP, ALTER, TRUNCATE AND COMMENT, and so on.
  • INSERT, DELETE, UPDATE, MERGE, CALL, and other similar commands.
  • The table's column is defined via DDL.
  • DML creates or changes a table row.
  • DDL statements have an impact on the whole table.
  • DML affects one or more rows depending on the situation.
  • SQL statements cannot be rolled back.
  • We may undo the SQL statement using DML.
  • DDL is declarative
  • DML is imperative

Related Questions

1. What is the difference between DDL DML and DCL?

Data Definition Language (DDL) statements are used to define the database structure or schema. Data Manipulation Language (DML) statements are used for managing data within schema objects. A data control language (DCL) is a syntax similar to a computer programming language used to control access to data stored in a database (authorization).

2. What are the differences between DDL and DML statements?

  • DDL is Data Definition Language that is used to define data structures.
  • DML is Data Manipulation Language which is used to manipulate data itself.
  • DDL is used to create database schema and can be used to define some constraints as well.
  • DML is used to add, retrieve or update the data.


About the author:
Adarsh Kumar Singh is a technology writer with a passion for coding and programming. With years of experience in the technical field, he has established a reputation as a knowledgeable and insightful writer on a range of technical topics.