A History of SQL: Digging into the Roots
Birthplace: IBM and the Relational Model
SQL, is the primary language for managing relational databases, and its journey traces back to the 1970s, where a confluence of ideas blossomed into the powerful tool we know today.
The story begins with Edgar F. Codd, a computer scientist at IBM. In 1970, he published a groundbreaking paper outlining the relational model. This model proposed a new way to organize data, using logical tables and relationships between them. This provided a structured and efficient approach compared to earlier hierarchical database models.
From SQUARE to SEQUEL
Inspired by Codd's work, Donald Chamberlin and Raymond Boyce set out to create a language to interact with relational databases. Their first attempt, SQUARE, proved cumbersome due to its complex notation. So, they returned to the drawing board and, in 1973, birthed SEQUEL (Structured English QUEry Language).
SEQUEL to SQL: A Name Change and Commercial Debut
The name SEQUEL, though intuitive, posed a trademark issue. Thus, the vowels were dropped, and SQL was born. In 1979, Relational Software, Inc. (later Oracle) released the first commercially available implementation of SQL, marking a significant milestone.
Standardization and Beyond
Over the next decade, SQL saw rapid adoption and further development. In 1986, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standardized the language, solidifying its role as the primary language for relational databases. Since then, SQL has continuously evolved, with major vendors adding extensions and functionalities to cater to specific needs.
Key Takeaways
- SQL originated at IBM in the 1970s, inspired by Codd's relational model.
- Early iterations like SQUARE paved the way for SEQUEL, later renamed SQL.
- Relational Software, Inc. (Oracle) played a crucial role in commercializing SQL.
- ANSI standardization in 1986 cemented SQL's place as the standard language for relational databases.
- Continuous evolution and adaptations by vendors keep SQL relevant in today's data-driven world.