Data Manipulation Language (DML) is a family of computer languages used by computer programs or database users to retrieve, insert, delete and update data in a database. The term database originated within the computer industry, though its meaning has been broadened by popular use,includes non-electronic databases within its definition. ...

Currently, the most popular data manipulation language is that of SQL, which is used to retrieve and manipulate data in a Relational database. Other forms of DML are those used by IMS/DL1, CODASYL databases (such as IDMS), and others. SQL (commonly expanded to Structured Query Language — see History for the terms derivation) is the most popular computer language used to create, modify, retrieve and manipulate data from relational database management systems. ... In general, data consist of propositions that reflect reality. ... A relational database is a database that conforms to the relational model, and refers to a databases data and schema (the databases structure of how that data is arranged). ... Information Management System (IMS) is a joint hierarchical database and information management system. ... CODASYL (often spelt Codasyl) is an acronym for COnference on DAta SYstems Languages. This was a IT industry consortium formed in 1959 to guide the development of a standard programming language that could be used on many computers. ... IDMS (Integrated Database Management System) is a (network) CODASYL database management system first developed at B.F. Goodrich and later marketed by Cullinane Database Systems (renamed Cullinet in 1983). ...

Data manipulation languages were initially only used by computer programs, but (with the advent of SQL) have come to be used by people, as well. The terms computer program, software program, applications program, system software, or just program are used to refer to either an executable program by both lay people and computer programmers or the collection of source code from which an executable program is created (eg, compiled). ...

Data manipulation languages have their functional capability organized by the initial word in a statement, which is almost always a verb. In the case of SQL, these verbs are "select", "insert", "update", and "delete". This makes the nature of the language into a set of imperative statements (commands) to the database. This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... A SELECT statement in SQL returns a result set of records from one or more tables. ... An SQL INSERT statement adds one or more records to a table in a relational database. ... An UPDATE statement in SQL changes data in one or more records in a relational database management system. ... A DELETE statement in SQL removes records in a relational database management system. ... In linguistics, many grammars have the concept of grammatical mood, which describes the relationship of a verb with reality and intent. ...

Data manipulation languages tend to have many different "flavors" and capabilities between database vendors. There has been a standard established for SQL by ANSI, but vendors still "exceed" the standard and provide their own extensions. Data manipulation language is basically of two types: 1) Procedural DMLs 2) Declarative DMLs The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, non-profit standards organization that produces industrial standards in the United States. ...

See also

• Data Definition Language
• Data Control Language