SQL - What is it and why is it important.

SQL stands for Structured Query Language and uses a language that allows for interacting with data in a database.  There are many different databases that exist, but to get them to interact with each other requires them all to have some sort of standardized language or list of commands.  SQL is a program that has been around since the 1970s and “happens to be nothing but an international standard language of communication within databases.” (Chapman) 

Although not always seen, SQL is always there and is used in almost all database transactions.  However, most of the work that it does is covered up by the “large number of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that simplify database administration tasks.” (Chapple).  Many different companies use different variations of SQL that are then used by many third party companies to be coded into their final products.  Therefore, every mouse click or text that is typed by the user can be stored in or used to modify a database of information pertinent to each company.

SQL works similarly to how an excel spreadsheet is set up; it looks at data in terms of tables.  Within these tables, SQL allows the user to place data, read data, change data, and remove data from these tables.  SQL also allows for the interaction of several tables at a time to manage data.  Some modern programmers find this approach to be antiquated because “SQL only knows tables, and every operation produces tables. It either "produces" a table by modifying an existing one, or it returns a new temporary table as your data set.” (Shaw)  This can pose problems with many programs today that utilize object-oriented programming that focus on nested objects and parent-child relationship coding techniques.  However, since SQL only provides basic framework, programmers have learned to adapt and change their programs to incorporate all of SQL’s various functions.

Although SQL is a simplified language compared to others, it is often different for each database for which it is used.  “Some databases execute particular functions that will not always run in others. That's the reason why every company that delivers database products such as Microsoft and Oracle, have their own certification process ensuring that those who take the certification exams are very well prepared and understand the differences between the various models of SQL.” (Chapman)  SQL provides the framework to handle complex functions within each company’s own databases, but it takes specialized knowledge to be able to have these databases interact with each other. 

Comments:
Mike:  I liked how you explained the history of relational databases and how it emerged to make managing large amounts of data more efficient.  With the amount of information be stored continually increasing, managing it and accessing what you need can definitely be a hassle.

Audrey:  Explaining the difference between relational and hierarchical databases is important to know when deciding what type of database may be used for your company depending on how you want your database to perform.  It was nice to hear you mention some advantages of each. 

References:

Chapman, Daniel R. "What Is SQL and Why It Is Important?" Ezine Articles, 28 Feb. 2012. Web. 8 Feb. 2014.

Chapple, Mike. "Structured Query Language (SQL)." About.com Databases. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2014.

Shaw, Zed A. "Introduction: Haters Gonna Hate, Or Why You Still Need SQL." Learn SQL the Hard Way. N.p., 2010. Web. 08 Feb. 2014.