To run the SQL script in SQL Scratchpad, which interpreter is mandatory in the first line?

In SQL Scratchpad, the interpreter that needs to be specified in the first line to run SQL scripts is %sql. This line directs the Scratchpad to utilize the SQL interpreter, ensuring that the subsequent code is executed in the context of SQL commands and syntax.

Using this interpreter allows the environment to correctly parse and handle SQL queries, including commands like SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE. Without specifying %sql, the Scratchpad would not know to process the commands as SQL statements, leading to errors or unintended behavior.

The other interpreters, such as %python, %R, and %java, are designed for their respective languages and would not be suitable for executing SQL commands. Each interpreter has specific parsing rules and capabilities that align with its language, which is why using the correct one is crucial for successful execution of the intended code.