The scope of SQL includes data query, data manipulation (insert, update and delete), data definition (schema creation and modification), and data access control. Although SQL is often described as, and to a great extent is, a declarative language , it also includes procedural elements. SQL was one of the first commercial languages for Edgar F. Codd's relational model, as described in his influential 1970 paper, A Relational Model of Data for Large Shared Data Banks.
uk â /ËkÉs.tÉªÅ/ us â /ËkÉË.stÉªÅ/. âº a calculation of the future cost of something such as a possible product: We'll need accurate costings before we can agree to fund the project.
Also found in: Dictionary, Acronyms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia. A cost that can be directly related to producing specific goods or performing a specific service. For example, the wages of an employee engaged in producing a product can be attributed directly to the cost of manufacturing that product. Certain other costs such as depreciation and administrative expenses are more difficult to assign and are not considered direct costs. Compare indirect cost.