ALLBASE/SQL Reference Manual (36216-90216)

52 Chapter1
Introduction
SQL Language Structure
SQL Language Structure
SQL statements begin with a verb and can include clauses or names. For example:
SELECT PartNumber FROM PurchDB.Parts
| | | | | |
| | | owner | |
| | | name | |
| | | | |
statement | | table |
verb | | name |
| | |
column +----------------+
name |
|
FROM
clause
Statements always contain a verb, one or more words that describe the action of the
statement. A statement can also contain one or more clauses. A clause is a group of names
and keywords describing what the verb should operate on. A verb can operate on a
named
object, such as a table or a column. Some statements can contain expressions or search
conditions. Expressions specify a value. Search conditions screen data against specific
criteria:
SELECT * FROM PurchDB.Parts WHERE SalesPrice > 200.00
| | | | |
all | | expression |
columns | | |
| +-----------------+
| | |
| search condition |
| |
+-----------------------+
|
WHERE
clause
The syntax of SQL is fully described in chapters 7-12 of this manual.