query language (QL)

Query languages (QL) are simple communication languages. The formulations of the query language are generally understandable and adapted to the colloquial language. Special programming knowledge is not required.

A query language offers search possibilities, often also processing functions, in order to search and process data sets purposefully. Queries are usually task-oriented and the information is presented in a structured form.

Query languages can be classified according to whether they are designed for database queries or for querying information. One of the best known query languages for relational databases is Structured Query Language( SQL). Another query language for multidimensional databases is Multidimensional Expression( MDX). Data MiningExtension( DMX) is an extension used in data mining and XQuery is one used for Extensible Markup Language(XML).