SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a standard programming language used for managing and manipulating relational databases. SQL allows users to store, retrieve, update, and delete data from a database. It provides a set of commands and syntax to communicate with the database and perform various operations.

The main components of SQL are as follows:

1. Data Definition Language (DDL): DDL is used to define and manage the structure of the database objects. It includes commands such as CREATE, ALTER, and DROP. These commands are used to create tables, modify their structure, and delete them.
2. Data Manipulation Language (DML): DML is used to manipulate the data stored in the database. It includes commands such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE. These commands are used to retrieve, insert, modify, and delete data in the database tables.
3. Data Control Language (DCL): DCL is used to control access to the database objects. It includes commands such as GRANT and REVOKE. These commands are used to grant or revoke privileges and permissions to users or roles.
4. Transaction Control Language (TCL): TCL is used to manage transactions in the database. It includes commands such as COMMIT and ROLLBACK. These commands are used to ensure the consistency and integrity of the data by committing or rolling back a transaction.
5. Data Query Language (DQL): DQL is a subset of SQL and is primarily focused on retrieving data from the database. It includes the SELECT statement, which is used to retrieve data based on specified conditions and criteria.

These components provide the foundation for managing databases and interacting with the data stored within them. SQL is a versatile language that is widely used in various applications and industries for effective data management and analysis.