Ng Andrew – Assignment B5: SQL (Group B)

SQL: Time-Saving Scripts

SQL, Structured Query Language, enables communication and performs various operations within databases. It was developed in the 1970s and is the standard language for relational database management systems. The standard was set by the American National Standards Institution (ANSI). The tasks SQL performs are essentially done to retrieve and update data from one database to another. Several companies and programs that use SQL are: Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL Server, Access, Ingres, etc. [1] Standard commands and scripts used in SQL are “Select”, “Insert”, “Update”, “Delete”, “Create”, and “Drop”. These commands are used typically to accomplish tasks that has relation to databases.

               SQL is very popular in many industries now. When introducing SQL, people had movement against the language. Now however, people are recognizing that the language is very important and beneficial. Companies such as Facebook and Google both gave a lot of praise to SQL systems. Nowadays it is easy to find people who know SQL as it is now a standard. Using SQL is also very simple as the language is direct and efficient in accessing data, operating it, and computing results. The query of the application stays the same even when changes to the physical schema of the data are made. Added columns or indexes do not affect the query. [2] SQL is also very flexible for different vendors and numerous types of projects. Many extensions exist to operate many tasks in various fields. It has been proven that SQL is the easiest way to write queries. [2]

               Reorganizing and updating databases through SQL can ensure productivity in various industries. One example I can think of right now is a project manager working on numerous projects. When a site inspector or someone visits the site locations of the projects, he or she may send the project manager updates. Having them checked and approved from what the inspector sends the project manager can be updated much faster and efficiently through SQL using the Update command. The project manager would save time without having to tediously go through his list of projects to individually update the projects.

References:

[1] http://www.sqlcourse.com/intro.html
"SQLCourse. "What is SQL?" SQLCourse - Lesson 1: What is SQL? N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2017."

[2] https://www.voltdb.com/why-sql-important
"Why SQL Is Important." Why SQL Is Important. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2017.

Comments:

Alexander Koo – Accessing Data without the need to reorganize database tables would be very efficient as everything would just fall into place into their respective categories. The less amount of work a user must do would save their time so the user can do something else. Having a system would increase production and decrease tedious tasks. Relational databases through finding similarities therefore is a great system to have.

Rachel Frank – Using databases to predict risk and solve problems is extremely beneficial as data is transferred in large quantities in today’s world. Having a method to retrieve and interpret data would provide chances for companies to detect and execute possible opportunities that aren’t noticeable without databases.

Hayley Selden – The use of databases in construction is very important as there is a lot of data and information throughout the whole construction process. Sometimes project managers are handling multiple cases and perhaps a group of projects. By having a database to organize the projects to detect what stages are completed for each is very essential. This would prevent confusion on which projects are completed or at a “stop point”. It will also show which projects may need top priority under certain circumstances.