A SQL file contains Structured Query Language (SQL), which is a language used to access and modify information in a database. It stores SQL statements for creating or modifying database structures, insertions, updates, deletions, or other SQL operations.

SQL file open in Microsoft Visual Studio Code 1.33 You will most likely only encounter SQL files if you develop or manage web databases. The SQL language first appeared in the 1970s at IBM and was adopted by the ANSI and ISO standard groups in 1986 as the standard language for relational database management systems (RDBMS). Since its adoption, it has gone through multiple revisions to support a wider set of features and has spawned several database language variations, which include Mini SQL (mSQL) and MySQL. SQL files can be read by any SQL-compatible database program, such as MySQL and Richardson RazorSQL. The files can also be opened and edited with various source text editors, such as gVim, Bare Bones BBEdit, and MacroMates TextMate. Since the files store SQL commands in plain text format they can also be opened and modified with simple text editors, including Microsoft Notepad and Apple TextEdit, which are bundled with the Windows and macOS operating systems. NOTE: SQL may be pronounced as "S-Q-L" or "Sequel."