RE: SQL VS QUERY

Query Manager has 2 interfaces into creating QM queries.
One is like interactive SQL, the other is very much like
Query/400. And QM forms give you almost all the
formating options of Query/400, with even some more
options - like wrapping within a column, e.g. And you
can do summary functions in the form, in addition to
summary functions (GROUP BY in SQL, GRPFLD in OPNQRYF).

Query/400 queries can be converted to QM queries (QM
stands for Query Management, a cross-platform technology
within IBM that encapsulates an SQL statement in an
object). There are some things that do not convert well,
in particular, type 2 and 3 joins from Query/400, so if
you have a lot of those, it'll be harder. The Query
Management Programming book has good info around
Chapters 11 and 12.

You can use STRQMQRY OUTPUT(*OUTFILE) to generate a file
in CL. And you can use substitution variables in the SQL
statement.

Query Manager has extensive user authorization options.

Plus you get the ability to write SQL in your
RPG/COBOL/REXX applications. Can be very useful.
> Bob,
>       Do have them get SQL/400 tool box, it is installed for free on V5+
> development package.  You can create queries that are very complex.  You can
> use joins other than inner joins (which QUERY/400 only allows).  It installs
> Query Manager which is where you can create SQL objects to run with
> STRQMQRY.  You can also run some queries with RUNSQLSTM.  I would still use
> QUERY/400.  It has far better reporting interfaces.  You can actually edit
> data how you want it just like using RPG.  Combining the two can allow you
> to create a robust report with good data formatting.
>
>       The one reason I always use SQL to generate result sets is that you
> can join tables on fields of different data type, (i.e., char to numeric)
> with data conversion functions.  I use SQL to create exception results,
> results where data exists in one table but not in another.  Using left outer
> joins is great for that.
>
>
> Thank you,
> Matt Tyler
> Mattt@wincofoods.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bob Carl [mailto:bcarl@knapheide.com]
> Sent: Thursday, October 10, 2002 09:09
> To: Midrange Computing Technical NewsGroup for ISeries
> Subject: SQL VS QUERY
>
> My account is getting ready to purchase some sort of IBM ISeries Query tool,
> SQL tools, or both.  I have been asked to provide justification for
> investment in the SQL tool over or in addition to Query.
>
> Can you use SQL in a CL in the same fashion as query, such as to create a
> file(Like OPNQRYF). I would think you can.  I am wondering if we can scrap
> query all together in favor of SQL (RUNSQL). Right now we do not use SQL for
> anything but transferring data, such as in Excel or Client Access, but
> considering its industry presence, it seems like a no-brainer.   Please
> submit to me your best arguments for using SQL, and if it can replace Query
> completely and easily.
>
>  Thanks in advance.
>
> Bob Carl, Senior Systems Analyst