A data control language (DCL) is a syntax similar to a computer programming language

Programming language

A programming language is an artificial language designed to communicate instructions to a machine, particularly a computer. Programming languages can be used to create programs that control the behavior of a machine and/or to express algorithms precisely....

 used to control access to data stored in a database. In particular, it is a component of Structured Query Language (SQL).

Examples of DCL commands include:

• GRANT to allow specified users to perform specified tasks.
• REVOKE to cancel previously granted or denied permissions.

The operations for which privileges may be granted to or revoked from a user or role may include CONNECT, SELECT

Select (SQL)

The SQL SELECT statement returns a result set of records from one or more tables.A SELECT statement retrieves zero or more rows from one or more database tables or database views. In most applications, SELECT is the most commonly used Data Manipulation Language command...

, INSERT

Insert (SQL)

An SQL INSERT statement adds one or more records to any single table in a relational database.-Basic form:Insert statements have the following form:* INSERT INTO table VALUES...

, UPDATE

Update (SQL)

An SQL UPDATE statement changes the data of one or more records in a table. Either all the rows can be updated, or a subset may be chosen using a condition.The UPDATE statement has the following form:...

, DELETE

Delete (SQL)

In the database structured query language , the DELETE statement removes one or more records from a table. A subset may be defined for deletion using a condition, otherwise all records are removed.-Usage:The DELETE statement follows the syntax:...

, EXECUTE, and USAGE.

In the Oracle database

Oracle database

The Oracle Database is an object-relational database management system produced and marketed by Oracle Corporation....

, executing a DCL command issues an implicit commit

Commit (data management)

In the context of computer science and data management, commit refers to the idea of making a set of tentative changes permanent. A popular usage is at the end of a transaction. A commit is an act of committing.-Data management:...

.

In PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL, often simply Postgres, is an object-relational database management system available for many platforms including Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, MS Windows and Mac OS X. It is released under the PostgreSQL License, which is an MIT-style license, and is thus free and open source software...

, executing DCL is transactional, and can be rolled back.