SQL is 50

The Register exclams Codd almighty! Has it been half a century of SQL already?:

In the fifty years since SQL was first proposed, it has become the dominant query language for working with relational databases. As such, it underpins the transactions vital to the workings of government, business and the world’s economy. But like many standards, its path to global domination is not been a straight one, and in the early years of its gestation, the story could have been very different.

SQL, Structure Query Language was invented at IBM following the invention of the relational model for databases. And since it has transpired in most data storage solutions.

It is even more relevant, even though hidden to the largest majority of users. SQLite is embedded everywhere, in your web browser to store the cookies (ammong other things), your digital photo collection, on your smart phone, etc. And SQLite main API is using SQL to query the data it is used to store.

50 years is old in the technology space, but SQL hasn’t really changed. And unlike BASIC that turned 60 it has not turned into disfavour. It is more a testament to its design that is still working while the data volumes have increased expoentially. SQL is also an equaliser has it allows abstracting the database software away from the business end. And it’s the only game in town.