Language classification — evaluate the statement.\n\n"SQL is a data sublanguage."

Introduction / Context:
SQL (Structured Query Language) is often characterized as a data sublanguage because it focuses on declaring data structures and performing data manipulation within a database rather than providing full general-purpose programming constructs like arbitrary looping and comprehensive I/O facilities. This question verifies that understanding.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• SQL defines data (DDL), manipulates data (DML), controls access (DCL), and manages transactions (TCL).
• SQL is designed to be used alone or embedded within host languages or tools.
• “Sublanguage” reflects scope limited to data concerns.

Concept / Approach:
Unlike general-purpose languages (for example, Java, Python, C#), SQL is declarative for data access and definition. While some procedural extensions exist (PL/SQL, T-SQL), the core language is specialized for relational data tasks. Hence, describing SQL as a data sublanguage is accurate and common in academic and industry texts.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Consult database textbooks and vendor documentation that routinely refer to SQL as a data sublanguage, often embedded or invoked via APIs/ODBC/JDBC.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Claiming SQL is purely general-purpose ignores its domain specialization.
• Limiting to NoSQL, embedded cases, or transactions confuses usage patterns with classification.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating T-SQL/PL-SQL procedural features with the SQL standard; believing that because SQL can express logic in queries it becomes a full GP language.

Final Answer:
Valid (SQL is widely described as a data sublanguage)