The Story Behind SQL

SQL, or Structured Query Language, pronounced «Sequel» is a programming language used to manage and manipulate data stored in relational databases.

It is a standard language for interacting with databases, and is used by a wide variety of applications and websites to store, retrieve, and manipulate data.

One of the key benefits of SQL is that it allows users to easily access and manipulate large amounts of data without having to write complex code. It provides a range of commands and functions that can be used to create, delete, update, and query databases, as well as to perform other tasks such as data import and export.

SQL is a powerful tool that is widely used in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, and more. It is an essential skill for anyone working with data, and is often taught in computer science and other technical programs. Whether you are a programmer, data scientist, or just someone who works with large amounts of data, learning SQL can be a valuable asset to your career.

Like all successful technologies, SQL has a tremendous story behind its creation.

In the 1970s, IBM was working on a project called System R, which was aimed at developing a prototype database management system. As part of this project, a team led by Dr. Edgar F. Codd developed a language for querying and manipulating the data in the System R database. This language was called Structured Query Language, or SQL.

In the 1980s, SQL became the standard language for database management systems, and it has remained a popular and widely used tool to this day. It is used by companies and organizations around the world to store, manage, and analyze data.

The success of SQL can be attributed to the vision of Dr. Codd and his team, who saw the need for a standard language for querying and manipulating data in databases. It is now an essential part of the tech landscape, and it has played a crucial role in the growth and evolution of data management.