For those whom disagree, I would ask do you pronounce LINQ (Language Integrated Query) as the individual letters L-I-N-Q? It is pronounced like “Link”; not L-I-N-Q or “Link Cue”.

Great Debate ..

But what if I apply the indefinite article? Do I use “a” or “an”?

“… given access to an SQL Server …”
“… given access to a SQL Server …”

If you pronounce it “sequel”, I need to use “a”. If you pronounce it “ess kyu ell” then I need to use “an”. If I choose differently than you, my text will be awkward to read.

Myself, I use “ess kyu ell”. I think the reason is that I learned a lot about SQL from books before I ever heard another developer speak about it. So the first time I heard it pronouced “sequel”, I didn’t know what the other guy was talking about.

Brian Tkatch,

Good Explanation

“The language, Structured English Query Language (SEQUEL) was developed by IBM Corporation, Inc., to use Codd’s model. SEQUEL later became SQL (still pronounced “sequel”).”

IBM’s documentation: http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/db2luw/v9/index.jsp?noscript=1, however, always says “an SQL statement” which means that they pronounce it “es queue el” because the first “e” causes the “an”. When pronounced “sequel” it would be “a SQL statement”.

Most people i know say “sequel server”. Probably because it is easier to say. “sequel” has two syllables as opposed to “es queue el”‘s three. And, starting off a word with a “q” as opposed to having it in the middle of a word takes slightly more effort. This may be true for English speakers only. I do not know how it would affect know who do not speak English (as the primary language).

I find it somewhat humorous that people think there is an “official” way to say it. It’s an acronym. Acronyms are there to make it easy. If you want the “official” name say “Structured Query Language”, otherwise say whatever you want as long as your interlocutor knows what you are referencing.

Personally, i say “sequel”. Mostly because its easier. But also as a nod to the original proposed name, mention in Oracle’s documentation.

it used to be called SEQUEL when it was first created.

“Tomorrow, I will make plans for a SQL server.” (sequal)

It does matter. I’ll be glad when there is one, correct answer.

Transact-SQL Reference
Microsoft SQL Server, for Windows NT

“Before You Begin

Microsoft(r) SQL Server (pronounced “Sequel” Server) provides a powerful client-server platform…”

Okay, it’s old, but that’s some hardcore authority!

For a beginner, is it easier for them to say S.Q.L, or Sequel? I’d say S.Q.L …. only after they’ve read an official book, will they start calling it Sequel. And that is not evolution.

1) The original language was called sequel
2) It’s easier to say than Ess Queue Elle

Anybody who tells you that you must pronounce it one way or the other is a techno-fascist who should be challenged at every opportunity.

PS: How do you pronounce SCSI, or JPG, or GIF, or WYSIWYG, or …

It really doesn’t matter as long as you get your point across, does it?

SQL is a Language designed specificaly for communicating with database. There are not many keywords so SQL is simple to understand but, despite its apparent simplicity, is a powerful language.

Thankyou…..

Let us know all the sql progrems by the help of video……by step and step than we can progress and learn more form your site……..make easy to learn and can do self by see in video programe……….

thankyou…

What I feel is those who whould like to speak correctly then its ,
SQL

One more example : USA , America and states represent the same , So what is correct YOU ALL MUST KNOW .

Am i write Pinal .

The meaning of sequel is :
A sequel is a work of fiction in literature, film, and other creative works that is produced after a completed work, and is set in the same “universe” but at a later time.

When speaking of the language in an environment agnostic context we use S.Q.L.

I guess the more I think of it, if I say “sequel” it directly implies an MS context. For Oracle, DB2, MySQL or another other context I use S.Q.L. I’ve never really thought about it before.

Interesting observation.

Although interesting to note that I almost always hear SQL Server pronounced sequel server, while MySQL, is said My s.q.l.

I think for a lot of people it depends which variation rolls off the tongue easiest based on the context of it’s usage.

I totally agree with you. I pronounce it as sequel as well when talking causally. I make sure that I pronounce it as S Q L when I am speaking formally or talking in meetings.

The reason, I posted this as I have received this question too many times, I decided to write about it.

I am interested to see what other readers have to suggest.

Regards,
Pinal Dave (http://www.SQLAuthority.com)