SQL at 50: What Lies Ahead for the Structured Query Language?

Even with the rise of generative AI, SQL remains fundamental to how we interact with and utilize data.

In May 1974, Donald Chamberlin and Raymond Boyce introduced SEQUEL, a structured query language designed for managing and sorting data. Due to copyright issues with the name SEQUEL, it was renamed Structured Query Language (SQL). Database companies like Oracle adopted SQL in the late 1970s along with their new relational database products, and the language has been integral to data management ever since.

Now 50 years old, SQL has evolved alongside databases to remain a crucial tool for data interaction and management. According to Stack Overflow, SQL is the third most commonly used language among professional programmers. In 2023, the IEEE reported that SQL was the most essential language for developers seeking employment, due to its compatibility with other programming languages.

Unlike older languages like COBOL (1959) and FORTRAN (1958), which are mainly associated with legacy systems, SQL is actively used in modern AI, analytics, and software development projects. It continues to be the standard for daily data interaction, proving its enduring relevance and versatility.

Why Does SQL Remain So Essential?

Looking at SQL, one might wonder how it has not only survived but thrived for so long. Its syntax, which reflects its era, is not easy to learn, making the user experience challenging for new developers. Each database vendor supports SQL with their own quirks, complicating the transition from one database to another and increasing the need for additional work and support.

Moreover, mistakes in SQL can have serious consequences. For instance, omitting a WHERE clause could result in deleting an entire table instead of executing the intended transaction, leading to data loss and recovery efforts. Ensuring the accuracy of your logic and understanding practical implementations is crucial.

So, why is SQL still the dominant method for working with data 50 years after its inception? SQL is built on robust mathematical theory, which ensures its continued effectiveness and relevance. When combined with relational databases, SQL reliably, effectively, and scalably maps data management to various business practices. Simply put, SQL works, and no alternative has matched its efficacy.

For example, SQL was the first programming language to return multiple rows per request, simplifying the retrieval of data and its conversion into actionable business insights. It also allowed for the compartmentalization of information into different tables for specific business tasks, such as separating customer data from manufacturing data. The ability to perform transactions at scale is foundational to most processes today, and SQL made that possible.

Another key to SQL's enduring success is its adaptability. Initially rooted in relational databases, SQL has evolved to support GIS data, JSON documents, XML, and YAML. This adaptability has kept SQL relevant to modern data interaction needs. Today, SQL can even be combined with vector data, allowing developers to use SQL while performing vector searches for generative AI applications.

What Does the Future Hold for SQL?

Efforts have been made in the past to replace SQL. NoSQL databases emerged as alternatives to relational databases, aiming to revolutionize data management at scale. However, instead of entirely replacing SQL, these databases introduced their own SQL-like languages, incorporating some of SQL's established methods and practices.

Similarly, advocates of natural language processing have proposed new approaches to replace SQL's standardized and cumbersome methods. Yet, these attempts resulted in methods that were equally cumbersome, leading to their marginalization. Generative AI may eventually take on the task of generating SQL code for developers, leveraging large language models trained on vast quantities of SQL code. However, this approach still relies on SQL for data interaction and result delivery, potentially reinforcing SQL's importance for the future.

Even if SQL becomes less visible and operates behind the scenes, its role in data interaction and utilization will remain pivotal. Given the extensive reliance of IT systems on data, SQL is expected to remain indispensable. As SQL reaches its 50th anniversary, it's essential to contemplate its ongoing development and utilization in the years ahead.