database - Difference between a statement and a query in SQL

Question

I still live in this ambiguity: conceptually what's the difference between a statement and a query in SQL? Can anybody give a definition for each of them? It would be useful, for example when choosing variables names inside programs in a way that will be clear for everybody. Thanks!

ADDITIONALLY: How can I call a chunk of SQL code made by more than one statement where statements are separated by a semicolon (;)? Who already replied can edit his answer. Many thanks!

Answer 1

A statement is any text that the database engine recognizes as a valid command. As of SQL-92:

An SQL-statement is a string of characters that conforms to the format and syntax rules specified in this international standard.

A query is a statement that returns a recordset (possibly empty).

How can I call a chunk of SQL code made by more than one statement where statements are separated by a semicolon (;)? Who already replied can edit his answer. Many thanks!

A series of SQL statements sent to the server at once is called a batch.

Not all SQL engines required the statements in a batch to be semicolon delimited. SQL Server, for instance, generally does not and breaks the statements based on context. CTE statements starting with WITH are a notable exception.