SQL is a non-procedural, declarative language used to work with databases and manage data storage and retrieval. It includes statements for data definition (DDL), data control (DCL), and data manipulation (DML). SQL code describes the results desired rather than how to perform the task. Database applications typically separate the user interface from the data management using connections to access and retrieve data from the database server. Microsoft SQL Server is commonly used and has different editions suitable for database courses like CIS-182.