Re: SQL-defined files/tables

["Al Barsa, Jr." <barsa2@xxxxxxx>]

At 03:09 PM 12/7/00 -0500, you wrote:

IBM deems DDS to be proprietary, and SQL to be an industry standard.  In 
this respect, they are correct.

However, the field reference capability in DDS is not available in 
SQL.  You can be significantly more productive in DDS than in SQL for 
database file definition.  In my opinion, IBM is being cheap and stupid not 
extending these capabilities to DDS.

Al


>This is a carryover of the "Secondary Keys" thread on the RPG400-L list.  I
>moved it here to better target the intended audience.
>
>I've been hearing for quite awhile now that SQL is the future direction of
>databases and DDS will be relegated to legacy status (i.e., no more
>enhancements to DDS).  And I really have no argument there.
>
>I have used SQL on the AS/400 a few times, but only for querying data using
>run-time specs and to do quick-and-dirty fix updates.  Never for creating a
>file.
>
>Is it my impression that SQL can define a database file with all the
>attributes available to us in DDS, both PF & LF?  I understand that DDS has
>only a subset of the attributes that can be defined in SQL (as of V4R5?).  So
>my question is whether I lose any functionality by defining a database file
>using SQL vs. DDS?
>
>Also, is it possible to use SQL to define a database file on the AS/400 if the
>SQL LPP isn't installed?  In my past utilization of SQL on an AS/400 which
>does not have the SQL LPP installed, I've used a shareware command that
>formats the SQL string and executes it in a QMQRY using STRQMQRY.
>
>If so, is there reference material available that shows examples and how
>things coded in DDS would be coded in SQL?  I.e.,
>    COLHDG('Item' 'Number')  ===> SQL ????????????
>    EDTCDE(3)                ===> SQL ????????????
>    key fields
>    joins
>    logical file stuff, like select/omit
>
>It seems to me that if IBM is serious about making DDS obsolete for databases
>and making the AS/400 "open to the masses", it had better consider making the
>entire SQL product a part of the OS, instead of charging money which most
>shops aren't going to spend - "Buy SQL?  Why, when we already have DDS?"
>JM(uneducated)O.
>
>Dan Bale
>IT - AS/400
>Handleman Company
>248-362-4400  Ext. 4952
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Al Barsa, Jr. - Account for Midrange-L
Barsa Consulting Group, LLC.    
400 > 390

Phone:          914-251-1234
Fax:            914-251-9406
http://www.barsaconsulting.com
http://www.taatool.com

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