In SQL, which category of statements is primarily responsible for handling database security, granting privileges and controlling authorization?

Introduction / Context:
Structured Query Language (SQL) is divided into several sublanguages, each targeted at a specific type of action. For example, DDL defines database structures, DML manipulates data and DCL manages access control. Understanding which category handles security and authorization is important for database administrators and developers who must protect data appropriately.

Given Data / Assumptions:

We are using a relational database management system that supports standard SQL categories.
Security and authorization involve granting and revoking privileges such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE and EXECUTE on database objects.
We want to identify which SQL category includes commands that control these privileges.

Concept / Approach:
Data Definition Language (DDL) includes commands like CREATE, ALTER and DROP, which define and change schema objects. Data Manipulation Language (DML) includes commands such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE, which operate on the data stored in tables. Data Control Language (DCL) includes commands like GRANT and REVOKE, which manage permissions and roles. Therefore, DCL is the category focused on security and authorization.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall that GRANT is used to give a user or role certain privileges on database objects, such as GRANT SELECT ON table_name TO user_name. Remember that REVOKE removes previously granted privileges, for example REVOKE INSERT ON table_name FROM user_name. Both GRANT and REVOKE belong to Data Control Language, commonly abbreviated as DCL. Compare this with DDL, which deals with schema definitions, and DML, which deals with data manipulation, neither of which is primarily about authorization. Therefore, the correct answer is that security and authorization are handled by DCL.

Verification / Alternative check:
Database documentation for popular systems such as Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL and MySQL clearly categorizes GRANT and REVOKE as DCL commands. These are the main tools used by administrators to assign privileges and manage roles, confirming that DCL is the category responsible for access control.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a (DDL) defines tables, views and other structures but does not directly control who can use them.
Option b (DML) operates on data but assumes that appropriate permissions are already in place.
Option d is incorrect because security and authorization are clearly addressed by the DCL part of SQL.

Common Pitfalls:
Developers sometimes hardcode security assumptions in application code and neglect proper database level permissions, which can lead to security holes. Others mix up the abbreviations DDL, DML and DCL. A good practice is to treat DCL as the central place for database authorization, complementing application level security.

Final Answer:
The SQL statements that manage security and authorization belong to DCL (Data Control Language).