What is a SQL file
Files with the SQL extension contain code written in a certain language; the Structured Query Language (SQL). The code contained in the SQL file is used to modify the content of other, relational databases. SQL files can be used to delete, insert, extract or update data and information.
SQL files are written in a plain text (ASCII) format and may contain different information defined in the code. It can contain statements that either create or modify a database or other SQL operations such as updates, deletions and the like. To be properly read and executed, the SQL file has to be opened in a database program that supports the Structure Query Language. However, any simply text editor can be used to write and edit an SQL file.
Here's a small, but not exhaustive list of programs that can open SQL documents:
- Altova DatabaseSpy (Windows)
- Apple TextEdit (Mac)
- Bare Bones BBEdit (Mac)
- gVim (Windows)
- MacroMates TextMate (Mac)
- MalcolmHardie Solutions SQLEditor (Mac)
- Microsoft Notepad (Windows)
- MySQL (Windows, Mac & Linux)
- Richardson RazorSQL (Windows, Mac & Linux)
- Other text editors
