SQL is a standard language used to manage data in relational database management systems. It can be used to create and modify database objects like tables and stored procedures, query and manipulate data, and set permissions. Common SQL statements include SELECT to query data, INSERT and UPDATE to modify data, CREATE and ALTER to define database structure, and DELETE to remove data. Transactions are managed using commands like COMMIT, ROLLBACK, and SAVEPOINT. Security is enforced using GRANT and REVOKE commands to manage user permissions on database objects.