Final answer:
SQL is the industry standard database language that combines data definition, manipulation, and querying capabilities. It uses DDL for specifying the database structure, DML for data management, and query language for data retrieval.
Step-by-step explanation:
The industry standard database language that combines data definition language (DDL), data manipulation language (DML), and query language is the Structured Query Language, commonly known as SQL. SQL allows users to define the structure of the database, manipulate and manage the data within the database, as well as retrieve specific data through queries.
DDL is used to specify the database schema and structure through commands like CREATE, ALTER, and DROP which define the various database elements. DML, on the other hand, encompasses commands like INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, etc., which allow for the manipulation of the data itself within the database tables. Finally, SQL's query capabilities provide powerful ways to retrieve data, often using the SELECT statement, allowing users to filter, sort, and display data according to specific requirements.
Therefore, the answer to the question is a. SQL (Structured Query Language).