Other RDBMS allow only SQL (was RE: Joe)

["Wilt, Charles" <CWilt@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> [mailto:midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Dave Odom
> Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2005 5:38 PM
> To: midrange-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Joe,
> 
> 
> Joe,
> 
> But, what matters 
> is how Rule
> 5 and all the others has been accepted and adopted and 
> understood in the
> real world, in real world RDBMS.   In those worlds, SQL is the ONLY
> language allow to talk to their RDBMS.

This will be my last post on the subject, however, I couldn't let this one 
slide.

>From a web site talking about Codd's Rules: "Rule 12: Nonsubversion Rule
There should be no way to modify the database structure other than through the 
multiple row database language (like SQL). Most databases today support 
administrative tools that allow some direct manipulation of the datastructure."

On the iSeries these tools are HHL programs in RPG/COBOL/CL.  On other systems, 
they are usually C/C++ tools calling API functions.  In particular, take a look 
at the RDBMS transform/load tools.  For Oracle, specifically, take a look at 
"Direct Path Loading" using the Oracle Call Interface (OCI).


Dave, 

The iSeries RDBMS is different only because it's been around longer than the 
others.  IBM, unlike some companies, tries very hard to protect a companies' 
application investment.  When SQL became a standard how well would it have gone 
over if IBM dropped support for RPG programs and made every customer and vendor 
rewrite all there applications in SQL?  (We won't get into the question of 
rather this would have helped/hurt in the long run ;-)

The rest of the world may not believe the iSeries has a "real" RDBMS, but given 
the evidence, it is obvious that the iSeries RDBMS is as "real" as any other 
Enterprise class RDBMS.


Charles Wilt
iSeries Systems Administrator / Developer
Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America
ph: 513-573-4343
fax: 513-398-1121