As an expert in the field of computer science with a focus on programming languages and database management, I can provide a comprehensive answer to your question. SQL, which stands for Structured Query Language, is indeed a programming language, but it is specialized for a particular domain. Unlike general-purpose programming languages like Java or C#, SQL is designed for managing and manipulating relational databases. It is used to perform a variety of tasks such as querying data, inserting new records, updating existing records, and deleting data. While SQL may not share all the characteristics of general-purpose programming languages, it does follow a syntax and structure that allows users to express complex operations on data. It is a declarative language, meaning that it allows users to specify what they want to achieve without necessarily describing how to achieve it, which is a common feature of programming languages. In the context of Fourth-generation languages (4GLs), SQL is considered part of this category because it is closer to human language and is designed to be more user-friendly and accessible than third-generation languages (3GLs) like C or Fortran. 4GLs are often used for database access and application development with an emphasis on ease of use and reduced complexity. In conclusion, SQL is a programming language, albeit one that is specialized for database interaction. It is a powerful tool in the realm of data management and is widely used across various industries. read more >>

Fourth-generation languages are programming languages that are closer to human language than high-level languages like Java. These 4GLs are often used to access databases, such as SQL, where humanlike syntax is used to retrieve and manipulate data. SQL may not be a language on par with Java or C#, but it is a language.read more >>