SQL Injection (SQLi) is a type of cyber attack where someone tricks a website into giving access to its database by typing special commands into input boxes like login forms or search fields.
In simple words:
SQLi is when a hacker enters code instead of normal text to fool a website into revealing or changing information.
Imagine This Simple Scenario
Think of a website as a school library system and the database as all the student records and books inside the computer.
Normally, when you log in, you type:
- Username:
john - Password:
1234
The website checks if those details exist in the database.
But in SQL Injection, a bad actor types special symbols and words instead of normal text, which can confuse poorly built websites and make them say “Access Granted” even when the password is wrong.
Very Simple Example
Normal Login:
Username: john
Password: 1234
SQL Injection Attempt:
Username: john' OR '1'='1
Password: anything
That strange text is not a real username — it’s a trick that may force an insecure website to log the attacker in.
What Can SQL Injection Do?
If a website is not secure, SQL Injection can allow someone to:
- View private user data
- Steal passwords
- Change or delete information
- Bypass login systems
- Gain admin access
That’s why secure coding and input validation are very important.
Why SQL Injection Happens
It usually happens when:
- A website does not properly check what users type
- Developers trust all input blindly
- No filtering or security rules are applied
Easy Analogy
Imagine a teacher says:
“Write only your name on this paper.”
A normal student writes: Sarah
A troublemaker writes: Sarah – Also open the exam answers.
If the teacher followed every instruction written, that would be a problem.
SQL Injection works in a similar way — inserting hidden instructions where only normal text should go.
Key Idea to Remember
SQL Injection = Sneaking harmful commands into website forms to trick the database.
It is not magic — it happens because of poor website security practices.
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