In SQL, what is the difference between a query and a statement, and how are these terms used in practice?

Introduction / Context:
This interview question checks your understanding of fundamental terminology in SQL. In day to day conversation, many people loosely use the words query and statement, but in database documentation they have more precise meanings. Knowing the difference helps you read technical material correctly and communicate clearly about what the database engine is doing when it parses and executes SQL text.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The environment is a standard relational database such as Oracle, SQL Server, or MySQL. • The term query is most often used for data retrieval using SELECT. • The term statement is used for any complete SQL command that the database can execute. • No numeric calculations are required; this is a conceptual question about terminology.

Concept / Approach:
In SQL, a statement is the basic unit of work sent to the database engine. Examples include SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, CREATE TABLE, ALTER TABLE, and DROP INDEX. Each of these is a complete statement that can be parsed, optimized, and executed. The word query is usually reserved for statements that ask a question about data, typically a SELECT that retrieves rows. Although people sometimes say query when they mean any statement, being precise helps distinguish between read only retrieval operations and commands that modify schema or data. The correct option must express that a query is a type of statement, not a completely different object.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that SELECT statements are used to request data from tables or views. Step 2: Recognize that this kind of request is traditionally called a query because it asks the database a question. Step 3: Remember that many other SQL commands exist, such as INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and CREATE, which may not be called queries. Step 4: Understand that the generic term for any complete executable SQL text is statement. Step 5: Choose the option that correctly treats a query as a SELECT and a statement as any complete SQL command, including but not limited to queries.

Verification / Alternative check:
To check your reasoning, think about how database documentation is written. For example, it often talks about DDL statements for defining schema or DML statements for changing data. At the same time, you read about writing complex queries with joins and subqueries to retrieve information. This supports the idea that query is a subset term referring mainly to SELECT, while statement is the broader term that covers every command that can be executed. Therefore, the option that describes a query as a SELECT that retrieves data and a statement as any complete SQL command is the most accurate.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a reverses the relationship by saying a query is any SQL command and a statement is only SELECT, which is inaccurate. Option c claims that the terms are exactly identical in every context, which ignores the standard distinction in documentation. Option d confuses queries and statements with stored procedures and triggers, which are separate database objects. Option e invents a difference based on compiled versus interpreted execution that does not reflect real database terminology.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is assuming that informal developer chatter always reflects precise terminology. Many people say query when they mean statement, which can hide the fact that only some statements actually retrieve data. Another mistake is thinking that only SELECT statements are statements and that DML or DDL commands are somehow different. Finally, candidates may overcomplicate the answer by discussing execution plans, compiled queries, or interpreters when the question is simply about basic definitions. Keeping the distinction simple and focused on typical usage in documentation is the safest approach.

Final Answer:
The correct choice is A query is a SELECT statement that retrieves data, while a statement is any complete SQL command including DDL and DML., because it accurately explains that query is a type of statement focused on retrieval, while statement is the more general term.