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Cécile Lebleu
Cécile Lebleu

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SQL pronunciation

Is SQL pronounced as S-Q-L or as sequel?

Both are listed on Wikipedia, but which one is the most popular or accepted way to pronounce it? Are there any reasons why one is better that the other?

Top comments (6)

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dmfay profile image
Dian Fay

Either way is fine; the "sequel" pronunciation is more commonly associated with Microsoft SQL Server than with other RDBMSs, but both pronunciations are common enough people will know what you're talking about. Just don't pronounce it "squirrel" 😬

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elmuerte profile image
Michiel Hendriks

Just don't pronounce it "squirrel"

Too many of my colleagues do that. But they also pronounce SSH as PuTTY.

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Michael Tharrington

Hmmmm... I've heard folks say both, but think I've heard more refer to it as sequel and have followed suit there with my own pronunciation. But, I'm curious about what others tend to go with!

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elmuerte profile image
Michiel Hendriks • Edited

I vote for SQL. It works in more places than "sequel". For example: PostgreSQL.

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Michael Tharrington

Good point!

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Drew Knab

Much like tabs and spaces I go where the team goes, but SQL is my preference.