Introduction to SQL
SQL, the Structured Query Language, is a mature, powerful, and versatile relational query language. The history of SQL extends back to IBM research begun in 1970. The next few sections discuss the history of SQL, its predecessors, and the various SQL standards that have developed over the years.
A Brief History of SQL
The relational model, from which SQL draws much of its conceptual core, was formally defined in 1970 by Dr. E. F. Codd, a researcher for IBM, in a paper entitled A Relational Model of Data for Large Shared Data Banks. This article generated a great deal of interest in both the feasibility and practical commercial application of such a system.
In 1974 IBM began the System/R project and with the work of Donald Chamberlin and others, developed SEQUEL, or Structured English Query Language. System/R was implemented on an IBM prototype called SEQUEL-XRM in 1974â75. It was then completely rewritten in 1976â1977 to include multi-table and multiuser features. When the system was revised it was briefly called âSEQUEL/2,â and then renamed âSQLâ for legal reasons.
In 1978, methodical testing commenced at customer test sites. Demonstrating both the usefulness and practicality of the system, this testing proved to be a success for IBM. As a result, IBM began to develop commercial products that implemented SQL based on their System R prototype, including SQL/DS (introduced in 1981), and DB2 (in 1983).
Several other software vendors accepted the rise of ...
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