Key Quotes
The database revolution has just been unfolding rapidly over the last half century, and I was really privileged to take a part in it. SQL didn't cause this revolution, it was caused by economics. It's been a wild ride and I'm very grateful for the opportunities that have come my way over the years.
SQL has been more successful than we ever dreamed it could be. But I'd have to say that the language met the goals that we had defined for ourselves only in part. Remember, Ray and I thought that SQL would be used by what we call casual users who were not computer programmers. Well, it turned out we were wrong about that. The actual users of SQL turned out to be mostly programmers building database applications. Well, I think SQL has made the work of these programmers easier and more productive, so that's a good thing. The casual users, I think, are still out there, but they're not using SQL. They're using Google and increasingly, I think they're starting to use AI systems like chat GPT.
Key Takeaways
1
The development of SQL was driven by the need for a non-procedural, readable, and accessible way to query databases. Data professionals should focus on designing systems and languages that simplify complex processes, making data accessible to a broader range of users.
2
The success stories of MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite highlight the impact of open-source resources on learning and practical implementation in the data space. Utilizing and contributing to open source can accelerate development and foster a community of learning.
3
The development of SQL++ and the ongoing evolution of database technologies suggest that continuous innovation is crucial to meet the changing demands and opportunities presented by new data-intensive applications.