In database terminology, which language performs tasks such as inserting, updating, or deleting data occurrences in tables?

Introduction / Context:
Relational databases provide structured ways to define, manage, and retrieve data using specialised languages. Different parts of SQL and related technologies are grouped into categories such as data definition, data manipulation, and data control. This question tests whether learners understand which category is responsible for operations that change the actual data values in tables, such as inserting new rows, updating existing rows, or deleting rows.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question mentions inserting, updating, and deleting data occurrences.
• These operations directly modify the content stored in database tables.
• Options include Data definition language, Data manipulation language, Query language, OQL, and a general distractor.
• We assume familiarity with basic SQL commands like INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE.

Concept / Approach:
In SQL and relational database theory, Data Manipulation Language (DML) refers to the subset of commands used to manipulate data stored in tables. Typical DML commands are INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and SELECT. Data Definition Language (DDL) refers to commands that define or modify the structure of database objects, such as CREATE TABLE or ALTER TABLE. A general query language describes the overall ability to retrieve or operate on data but is not a precise category for this specific function. The approach is to match the operations listed with the language category that is explicitly responsible for manipulating the data itself.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that inserting, updating, and deleting data occurrences all change the actual contents of database tables.Step 2: Recall that in SQL, commands like INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE are classified as Data Manipulation Language.Step 3: Understand that Data Definition Language is used for creating or altering table structures, not for changing individual row values.Step 4: Compare each option with this understanding and identify that Data manipulation language directly matches the described operations.Step 5: Conclude that Data manipulation language is the correct category.

Verification / Alternative Check:
An alternative way to verify is to remember the usual grouping of SQL statements: DDL for defining schema, DML for handling data, DCL (Data Control Language) for permissions, and sometimes TCL (Transaction Control Language) for transaction handling. When you run an INSERT INTO statement to add a new customer row or an UPDATE statement to change a salary, you are manipulating data. These operations appear in examples and documentation as DML statements. This consistent classification across textbooks and database courses confirms that Data manipulation language is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Data definition language is used to define or modify database objects like tables, indexes, and views, using commands such as CREATE, ALTER, and DROP. It does not primarily control inserting, updating, or deleting individual row data. Query language is a broad term and does not specifically indicate the subset that manipulates data. OQL (Object Query Language) is associated with object oriented databases, but the question is framed in general relational terms and does not specifically match these operations. None of these is incorrect because Data manipulation language accurately describes the set of operations in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners may mix up DDL and DML because both are parts of SQL and both involve statements written in the same syntax. Another mistake is assuming that any language that queries data, including SELECT, automatically covers insert and delete operations. It is important to remember that DML focuses on manipulating existing data and adding or removing rows, while DDL is about structures and schemas. Keeping this distinction clear helps when answering exam questions and designing database applications.

Final Answer:
The language that performs inserting, updating, and deleting of data occurrences in tables is Data manipulation language.