SQL is a language used to manage data in relational database management systems. It was first developed in the 1970s at IBM and later became an industry standard. SQL allows users to easily create, access, and modify data by manipulating tables, rows, and columns. Some key advantages of SQL include its ability to query data quickly without programming and its portability between different database systems. While SQL has some disadvantages like complexity and partial control, its benefits generally outweigh the drawbacks.