SQL Dialects: Overview

SQL has a standard, but each database adds its own flavor.

Think of it like English:

• American, British, Australian - same language
• Small differences in spelling & phrases
• You can understand all of them

Major dialects:

• PostgreSQL - feature-rich, open source
• MySQL - popular for web apps
• SQLite - embedded, lightweight
• SQL Server - Microsoft enterprise
• Oracle - enterprise, legacy systems
• Snowflake/BigQuery/Redshift - cloud warehouses

Core SQL (SELECT, WHERE, JOIN) is 95% the same everywhere!